Last week I joined the crowd celebrating the launch of The Bench’s new album, “Wet Dream” at a fabulous concert in Reading 3, in Tel Aviv. The atmosphere was electric and the band were euphoric.
The Bench (Lior Itzhaki – Drums, Matan Shatit – Lead Guitar, Guy Strier – Rhythm Guitar, Or Ben Itzhak – Bass and Raziel Mantzur – Vocals) was smoking hot. Their songwriting is phenomenal and their musicianship up there with the best. Their playing was so tight that you couldn’t separate them with a crowbar.
Maktazith (Guitar – Hadar “GAGI” Levi, Bass – Danny Shnaiderman and Drums – Dor Kelman) opened the evening with their unique blend of punk, rock and talk box. The trio’s mastery of their instruments was as sharp as their boot toe-caps.
Setlist
Mess
Spiders
Haze
Elvis Medley (with Ninmrod Shemesh and Sharon Sexton from Blues and Booze)
Mosquito
Hi Girl
Not a Morning Person
Tell Me (with Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia)
G-Spot — נקודת הג׳י (with Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia)
To say the three members of The Aristocrats are virtuosi is an understatement. Last night in Tel Aviv Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass) and Marco Minnemann (drums) displayed almost superhuman mastery of their instruments. As well as a fantastic sense of humor.
The June 26th concert was held in Reading 3, a beautiful music venue on the Tel Aviv port. Previously, I have seen two of my childhood guitar heroes perform at Reading 3 — Paul Gilbert and Yngwie Malmsteen. It is possible that Govan and co surpassed them both in their dexterity and skill.
The band walked out before a packed house while Devo’s “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” was still playing over the sound system. So the band joined right in. Then without missing a beat, they segued into “Stupid 7.”
The Aristocrats perform their opening number in Tel Aviv, “Stupid 7.”
After that, each song was introduced with a story, usually with an element of comedy. So, Govan asked the audience to envisage a rockhopper penguin, patrolling Antarctica on a snowmobile wearing a policeman’s cap before the band played a brand new song — “Sgt. Rockhopper.” He also spoke of his sadness at the asteroid which wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, at the end of the cretaceous period, before launching into “Bad Asteroid.”
Marco spoke of his pride at getting a “Parental Advisory” sticker attached to the band’s first album, even though, like all their albums, it was an instrumental. That was because of a song called “Bluesf***er” which tonight began as a five-minute vamp on “Hava Nagila” — probably the most interesting rendition of the song I’ve ever heard.
While Minnemann performed his 10-minute drum solo, Beller sat on a stool at the side tapping time on his legs, while Govan sat cross-legged on the floor, filing his nails with various gradations of emery board.
Minnemann displayed an impressive Hebrew vocabulary, whereas Beller, who described himself as, “a stubborn Jewish kid from New Jersey” didn’t manage much more than “good evening” in Hebrew.
Occasionally, Minnemann would punctuate a song with an “oink” from a squeaky plastic pig he placed on his cymbal. Beller would reply with a “squawk” from a rubber chicken.
Guthrie Govan signs a guitar during The Aristocrats concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 26, 2023. (David Sedley)
In between songs, Govan managed to sign a couple of his signature Charvel guitars that fans had bought along with them. He also apologized that he wouldn’t be throwing picks out to the front row, but he only had three to last him the year.
Guitar signed by Guthrie Govan at The Aristocrats concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 26, 2023. (David Sedley)
The Aristocrats have performed several times in Israel, and tonight the venue was sold out.
The full setlist was:
(Intro: Devo “Satisfaction”)
Stupid 7
Drink Package
Sgt. Rockhopper
Bad Asteroid
Bonnie and Clyde
Aristoclub / Drum Solo
Through the Flower
Ohhh Nooo
Furtive Jack
Last Orders
Encore: Blues F***ers
The Aristocrats setlist, Tel Aviv, Israel, June 26, 2023 (David Sedley)
The Aristocrats, a progressive rock/fusion supergroup comprised of guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller, and drummer Marco Minnemann, will perform in Reading 3 in Tel Aviv on June 26.
This will be the band’s fifth trip to Israel, having played here previously in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2019. The promoter, RK Promotions, just announced that the two Laney cabinets Govan will use in the show will be available for purchase (at just under NIS 2,000) to be collected from Govan after the performance.
The Aristocrats’ music has been described as “impossible to categorize” because it incorporates so many different musical styles and influences. The band calls their unique genre “woozy prog-pop.” While their music may be challenging to play, The Aristocrats try to keep their songs melodic and accessible to listeners not familiar with progressive rock. They are known for balancing technical skill with musicality.
Govan has been called, “Rock’s scariest guitarist” by Rick Beato. He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Steven Wilson and Hans Zimmer. He has also worked with Asia, GPS, the Young Punx and the Fellowship.
Beller just got off tour with Joe Satriani on June 5th and almost immediately headed back out with the Aristocrats. He has also played with Steve Vai, Mike Keneally and Dethklok, among others.
Minnemann is a versatile drummer who has played with numerous artists, including Steven Wilson, Terry Bozzio, Adrian Belew, Joe Satriani, and The Mute Gods. A decade ago, he formed LMR, named for the initials of the members Tony Levin, Marco Minnemann and Jordan Rudess.
The Aristocrats perform “Ohhh Noooo”
The Aristocrats formed in 2011 and have released several albums, including “The Aristocrats” (2011), “Culture Clash” (2013), “Tres Caballeros” (2015), and “You Know What…?” (2019). Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and virtuosic instrumental performances. The band has been praised for its technical proficiency, humor, and improvisational skills.
Some of The Aristocrats’ most popular songs are:
Bad Asteroid – This is one of their signature songs, featuring odd time signatures, blistering solos, and a very catchy melody. It’s considered a classic among their fans.
Sweaty Knockers – A fun, upbeat track with a funky groove and witty title. It really showcases their musical chemistry and sense of humor.
The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde – A beautiful, melodic tune that demonstrates their ability to write softer, more emotive music in addition to their usual high-energy rock songs.
Boing!…I’m In The Back – One of their most playful and bizarre songs with strange noises, cartoonish sounds effects, and an overall zany vibe. The title gives you an idea of their quirky humor and anything-goes approach.
Blues F***ers – A bluesy hard rock track with attitude. As the title suggests, it’s one of their heavier and more aggressive songs with plenty of distortion and attitude. The contrast shows their range between lighthearted and abrasive. This is often played as an encore at live shows.
The Venue
Reading 3 is a concert venue that was established in 2002 in the Tel Aviv port area. The address is Hatarucha 3, North Port, Tel Aviv. There is usually parking available nearby.
