Emma Smith to Bring Soulful Jazz Back to Tel Aviv

British jazz star Emma Smith is returning to Israel for a run of five intimate concerts at Tel Aviv’s Shablul Jazz Club this February, bringing her warm, expressive voice and sophisticated swing back to a city that has already embraced her. Singing five sold-out shows over four nights, including a special double‑show evening, she will present songs from her celebrated albums alongside fresh takes on jazz classics, in one of Israel’s most beloved jazz venues.

EMMA SMITH RETURNS TO TEL AVIV

Emma Smith will perform five shows at Shablul Jazz Club in Tel Aviv on February 16, 17, 19, and two concerts on February 20. The multiple dates reflect the strong response to her previous appearances at the club, where she played a series of sold‑out shows that left local audiences asking for more. Once again, Shablul will host her in its close, club‑style setting, giving Israeli fans the chance to experience one of the UK’s most exciting jazz voices just a few meters from the stage.

Although yesterday I wrote that As I Lay Dying was the first international band to perform in Israel after October 7, they are not the first international artists to return. Emma Smith already came to Israel last year, including performances at Shablul and a wider theater tour in collaboration with Israeli vocalist Isaac Sutton. Her decision to come back again so soon underlines both her connection to local audiences and the importance she places on continuing to perform here.

A RISING STAR OF THE GLOBAL JAZZ SCENE

Emma Smith has built an impressive international career, performing everywhere from London’s Royal Albert Hall to leading jazz clubs around the world. A Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner, she has collaborated with artists such as Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum, and members of the Jeremy Pelt / Wayne Escoffery quintet, cementing her reputation as a powerful, expressive presence on the contemporary jazz scene.

Her solo work has drawn particular attention: her album “Meshuga Baby” was hailed as a breakout release, generating millions of streams and strong radio support from tastemakers including Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), TSF Jazz and Jazz FM. In 2025 she followed this momentum with “Bitter Orange,” released on US label La Reserve, becoming the first UK artist to join its roster and further broadening her international reach.

MUSIC THAT BLENDS CLASSIC JAZZ WITH PERSONAL STORY

On stage, Emma Smith brings together classic jazz sensibilities with a modern, personal touch. Her shows will include a mix of songs from her new album, gems that thrilled audiences at her previous appearances, and a “delightful blend” of well‑known jazz standards in new arrangements alongside her own original material. Her performances emphasize melody, groove, and emotional storytelling, weaving together standards and self‑penned songs into a coherent, engaging set.

With roots in a musical family and experience ranging from big‑band singing as a teenager to work with vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Emma’s music reflects deep knowledge of the jazz tradition as well as a playful, adventurous spirit. Listeners can expect swinging up‑tempo numbers, intimate ballads, and arrangements that refresh familiar tunes without losing their original charm.

EMMA SMITH AND ISRAEL

Emma Smith’s relationship with Israel has deepened in recent years. Beyond the Shablul club dates, she has toured Israeli theaters in the show “Broadway & All That Jazz” alongside Israeli singer Isaac Sutton, performing in venues in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ra’anana, Petah Tikva, Ness Ziona, and more. In coverage of her visits, she has been presented as a Jewish singer coming to Israel “to spread some joy,” with her appearances framed as a way of bringing light, classic songbooks, and a sense of connection to local audiences during challenging times.

Public interviews and profiles describe her delight in performing music by Jewish composers and classic songwriters, and her willingness to keep coming back even as international touring in the region has become more complicated. While she has not turned her concerts into political rallies, her choice to perform in Israel, and to return repeatedly, has been interpreted by many fans here as a gesture of solidarity and a desire to share music, warmth, and normalcy with Israeli listeners.

For Shablul’s February 2026 run of shows, Emma Smith’s return closes a circle: she is not only one of the first international artists to have come back to Israel after October 7, but also an artist who continues to deepen her bond with Tel Aviv’s jazz community, one sold‑out, soulful night at a time.

VENUE DETAILS

Tickets for all five Emma Smith shows are sold out, but you should definitely keep an eye on the Shablul website for future events.

Shablul Jazz Club is located at 23 Karlibach Street in the heart of Tel Aviv, a central spot that makes it easy to reach from all over the city. The club is known as one of Israel’s leading jazz venues and is designed as an intimate, cozy room where the audience sits close to the low stage, creating a feeling that you are inside the music rather than just watching it from afar. Inside, you’ll find full bar and kitchen service, with doors typically opening around 20:00 so guests can eat, drink and settle in before the show starts. The vibe is often compared to classic New York or London jazz clubs: warm lighting, attentive but relaxed staff, and a crowd that is there first and foremost to listen.

Parking around Shablul is relatively straightforward for a central‑city venue. The club itself lists several nearby options: blue‑and‑white street parking on Karlibach, Zacklag and Sa’adya Gaon streets, along with several parking garages including the Even‑Ziv lot on Sa’adya Gaon 22, the TLV Mall parking with an exit via the Karlibach gate directly opposite the club, the Sa’adya Gaon parking on Zacklag 7, and the Givon parking on Aranya 32. Many visitors mention that parking at the TLV Mall just across the road is especially convenient and feels safe, making it a popular choice for evening shows.

ESP Metal Day: A Night of Diverse Metal Excellence

Papaita hosts metal extravaganza

Last week’s ESP Metal Day delivered an outstanding showcase of Israel’s vibrant metal scene, featuring four distinct bands that each brought their unique flavor to the stage. The event, to mark 50 years of ESP, was sponsored by Halilit Music Stores, and took place in Papaita in Tel Aviv.

ESP Metal Day sponsored by Halilit
ESP Metal Day sponsored by Halilit

The event’s format—half-hour sets followed by an all-star Ozzy Osbourne tribute—created the perfect balance of variety and cohesion.

Across the Border: Raw Youthful Energy

The evening opened with Across the Border, a rap metal quintet whose youthful energy was absolutely infectious. Fronted by Assaf Bar-on’s dynamic singing and rapping, the band demonstrated impressive chemistry between guitarists Noam Guri and Ofir Shapira, while the rhythm section of drummer Yair Ben Shalom and bassist Ohad Baumgarten laid down crushing grooves that perfectly supported their hybrid sound.

They performed a few songs from their forthcoming debut album release, mostly in Hebrew, but “Under Pressure is in English.

This is a band that is going places, definitely a band to watch.

The post-set songwriting masterclass with Ben Shalom and Baumgarten offered insights into their creative process, with incredible two-handed tapping and polyrhythms.

StormbounD: East Meets West in Symphonic Splendor

StormbounD provided an adventurous musical journey, seamlessly weaving Middle Eastern scales into their symphonic metal framework. Yael Horwitz’s soaring lead vocals were perfectly complemented by Ofer Friedman’s harmony work and growling vocals, creating a dynamic that kept the audience captivated.

The band’s instrumental prowess shone through Rotem Sadia’s keyboard orchestrations and the surprising addition of violin, which added authentic folk elements to their sound. The highlight came when Friedman picked up an Irish Bazouki for one song—a bold choice that somehow worked perfectly within their eclectic sound palette. Pavel Kleiman’s bass work and Yuval Partush’s drumming, alongside a replacement guitarist (I don’t know what happened to Shani Friedman), created a solid foundation that allowed the band’s symphonic strength to truly shine.

Sinnery: Death Metal Precision with Special Recognition

Sinnery brought crushing death metal intensity to the proceedings, demonstrating why ESP Guitars recently endorsed two of their members. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Alon Karnieli took a moment to thank both ESP and Halilit for making the endorsement happen—a well-deserved recognition for the technical prowess displayed by both him and lead guitarist Idan Kringel.

The quartet’s performance was tight and brutal, with bassist Saar Tuvi and drummer Liam Fine providing a relentless foundation. Their mix of original material showcased their songwriting chops, but their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” was a particular crowd-pleaser, paying homage to metal’s foundational masters while adding their own death metal intensity. There perfectly coordinated headbanging was as good as Judas Priest at their peak.

Subterranean Masquerade: Theatrical Jewish-Oriental Metal

Subterranean Masquerade played theatrical east-meets-west high-energy rock. Fronted by the larger-than-life Davidavi “Vidi” Dolev—whose Tevye-esque appearance belied his explosive stage energy—the band delivered a memorable sets. Watching Vidi climb amplifiers and jump around the stage with infectious enthusiasm reminded everyone why live metal can be such a visceral experience.

The seven-piece ensemble, featuring the triple-guitar attack of Tomer Pink, Or Shalev, and Omer Fishbein, created rich sonic landscapes that perfectly complemented Shai Yallin’s keyboard work. Bassist Golan Farhi and drummer Jonathan Amar held down the complex rhythmic foundations while Vidi’s vocals soared over their Jewish-oriental metal fusion.

Their premiere of “Uman Inshallah” was a highlight of the entire evening, perfectly encapsulating their unique ability to blend Jewish and Arab musical themes into a cohesive metal statement. It’s rare to hear such culturally specific music that feels both authentic and universally compelling.

Educational Interludes: Beyond Just Performance

Between sets, ESP Metal Day proved its commitment to education with masterclasses that went beyond traditional musicianship. Assaf Geranot’s metal beatboxing demonstration opened minds to percussion possibilities beyond the drum kit, while Yotam “Defiler” Avni of Prey for Nothing shared insights into the art of growling vocals.

The Ozzy Tribute: A Fitting Finale with Unexpected Flair

The all-star finale brought together musicians from across the lineup for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute that felt both reverent and celebratory. The finale added a a Zakk Wylde element with both guitarists wearing kilts. Songs included “Paranoid,” “Crazy Train,” “Bark at the Moon” and “No More Tears.”

Seeing these diverse artists collaborate on classic material demonstrated the unifying power of metal music and provided a perfect capstone to an evening and a fitting tribute to Ozzy.

Final Thoughts

ESP Metal Day succeeded in showcasing the incredible depth and diversity of Israel’s metal scene. From Across the Border’s modern rap metal fusion to StormbounD’s symphonic Middle Eastern experiments, from Sinnery’s crushing death metal precision to Subterranean Masquerade’s theatrical Jewish-oriental fusion, each act brought something completely unique while maintaining the quality and passion that defines great metal music.

The combination of stellar performances, educational masterclasses, and collaborative spirit made this an event that satisfied both casual fans and serious metal devotees. The only minor critique would be the missed opportunity to properly introduce band members and all-star participants—giving credit where it’s due would have made great performances even more memorable.

Events like these remind us why the metal community remains so vibrant—it’s built on both respect for tradition and openness to innovation, exactly what ESP Metal Day delivered in spades.

The Bench Launches New Album at Electrifying Tel Aviv Concert

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.

Guests for the evening included Nimrod Shemesh and Sharon Sexton from Blues and Booze; Gal De Paz (Hebrew Wikipedia page); Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia; and Yali Sobol (Hebrew Wikipedia page).

The Bench, “Hi Girl”

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)
  • Fu Fu fu
  • Something (with Gal De Paz)
  • Wet dream (with Gal De Paz)
  • Hummingbird
  • You’ll Never Be Mine
  • Won’t Let You
  • שנים חסומות (with Yali Sobol)
  • השמלה ממדריד (with Yali Sobol)
  • על הריצפה (with Yali Sobol)
  • Enough is Enough
  • Encore: Somebody to Love

Opening Act – Maktazith

Maktazith, “Amba BaTzinor”

Hall of Fame Festival: Six of Israel’s best cover bands plus indie stage

On October 22nd, 2024, Chol Hamoed Sukkot, six of Israel’s top cover bands will perform in a mammoth six-hour concert in Tel Aviv’s Ganei Yehoshua. In addition to the main stage, there will also be a second stage with Indie bands — so far Stellar Lane and Gali Givon are the only ones who have been announced.

More details on the Hall of Fame Festival website. Tickets from Zappa Club.

Gates open at 4:00pn. Times and bands for the main stage:

  • 5:00pm The Sultans Live (Dire Straits)
  • 6:00 pm Ummagumma (Pink Floyd)
  • 7:00pm Whiplash (Metallica)
  • 8:00pm OasisIsrael (Oasis)
  • 9:00pm Nirvana Experience (Nirvana)
  • 10:00pm Guns n’ Moses (Guns n’ Roses)

I heard The Sultans Live last year at a similar event. They are excellent. I can’t vouch personally for the others, but based on these YouTube clips, it promises to be a spectacular event.

Don’t forget to use the “I’m With The Band” discount code kindly provided by Stellar Lane: 276310

The Sultans Live

Ummagumma

Whiplash

OasisIsrael

Nirvana Experience

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ifvkypgMfFnw1TYj

Guns n’ Moses

Stellar Lane: Homegrown Alternative Rock

Last week I went to hear Tel Aviv band Stellar Lane perform in Blaze Bar in Jerusalem. It is a unique venue and an amazing band.

Stellar Lane is a five-piece alternative rock band comprised of: Brothers Yonatan Vogelsang and Udi Vogelsang (vocals/acoustic guitar and vocals/keyboards respecively), Dotan Kalmar (electric guitar) David Sarussi (drums) and Adam Younger (bass).

The Vogelsang brothers harmonize together fantastically, the musicianship of the quintet is brilliant, and they put on a great show. Their original songs are excellent, and their cover versions are unique. I have been listening to them on Spotify almost non-stop for the past few days.

On Bands In Town, they write about themselves:

Stellar Lane, an alternative-rock band rooted in a thriving musical community, was co-founded by siblings Jonathan and Udi Vogelsang, both immersed in a diverse musical background. Shaped by the Grunge scene in Seattle during their formative years, Stellar Lane effortlessly blends nostalgic nineties tones with the contemporary vibes of today’s indie and alternative rock.

The Vogelsang brothers’ dual-vocal delivery is a standout feature, infusing their performances with an energetic and diverse dimension that captivates audiences. After the release of their EP “Follow Your Mind” in 2014, the band embarked on an extensive tour across North America and Europe, gaining recognition at notable festivals like Canadian Music Week and Deichbrand Festival.

I videoed one song from the gig, their cover of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”:

The sound mix at Blaze, and the quality on my camera were not great, so also check out their live stream from a year ago.

If you didn’t catch them in Jerusalem, you can see them live at

  • Third Ear (Tel Aviv) on October 18, for free.
  • Hall of Fame Fest (Tel Aviv) on October 22, Tickets available here – use code 276310 (click on “I’m with the band) for a discount
  • Rocktopia Festival (RIshon Lezion) on November 21.

Ex-‘Misfits’ Michale Graves to bring his legendary punk sound to Tel Aviv

Michale Graves, the enigmatic figure who stepped into the spotlight as the lead singer of the legendary punk rock band The Misfits is coming to Israel. He will play the Gagarin Club in Tel Aviv on July 16, 2024.

Michale posted on X (Twitter) that, “The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning the decades.”

Graves replaced the iconic Glenn Danzig, as vocalists for the Misfits, and carried the torch of their distinctive sound and helped usher in a new era for the influential horror-punk outfit.

Born in 1972, Michale Graves (born Michael Emanuel) first gained recognition as the frontman of the Misfits from 1995 to 2000. During this period, he lent his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to the band, breathing new life into their iconic catalog of songs while also contributing to the creation of several acclaimed albums, including “American Psycho” and “Famous Monsters.”

Graves’ tenure with the Misfits was marked by a fiendish flair and a penchant for the macabre, a hallmark of the band’s signature style. His vocal style perfectly captured the band’s dark and sinister aesthetic, elevating the Misfits’ already legendary status within the punk rock scene.

Musically, Graves’ contributions to the Misfits’ sound showcased a blend of classic punk rock energy with a touch of horror-inspired melodicism. His powerful vocals and the band’s driving, distortion-heavy instrumentation created a sonic experience that was both visceral and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the band’s lyrical themes of horror, the occult, and social outcasts.

During his time with the Misfits, Graves also collaborated with other notable musicians, contributing to projects outside of the band and further expanding his creative footprint. His versatility and willingness to explore new musical avenues have earned him a respected place among the pantheon of punk rock icons.

Since his departure from the Misfits in 2000, Graves has continued to captivate audiences with his solo work and various other musical endeavors. His solo albums, such as “Web of Dharma” and “Wanderer,” showcase a more introspective and eclectic side of his artistry, delving into themes of personal growth and spiritual exploration.

In the years since, Graves has remained a vital figure in the punk rock and alternative music scenes, inspiring a new generation of musicians with his unapologetic and fiercely independent approach to his craft. As the Misfits’ post-Danzig era, his legacy as a crucial contributor to the band’s enduring legacy is cemented, solidifying his place as a true icon of the genre.

Tickets cost ₪179.00 and are available from Raven Music

The Spirit: First international band to play in Israel since October 7

The Spirit has the honor of being the first international band to confirm an Israel concert since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. The German four-piece death metal band confirmed on their Facebook page that they will perform in the Gagarin Club on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Yishai Sweartz of Raven Metal and Gal Gur-Arie have worked miracles to bring an international metal concert to Israel, despite the emotional, physical and financial risks involved. 

The Spirit formed in 2015 in Saarbrücken, Germany. They released their debut album “Sounds From the Vortex” on their own label Eternal Echoes. Word quickly spread of their chilling blend of black and death metal influences, drawing rave reviews from underground metal publications. Their haunting songs and live performances soon caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records. Their 2020 album “Cosmic Terror” was well received but their touring plans were cut short by the COVID pandemic after only one month of shows. They were eager to get back on the road and conquer the world with their music.

Their third album “Of Clarity And Galactic Structures” pushed their progressive influences further. Lead singer and songwriter M.T. was more confident exploring these elements after challenging himself creatively. He took influence from classic progressive rock bands and discovered new artists in the genre through the pandemic. The band enjoyed experimenting with these progressive textures but ensured the songs still flowed well.

The band is currently working on their fourth album.

Opening for The Spirit will be Israeli band Srefa

Tickets cost NIS 179 and are available from Raven Metal

The Spirit (YouTube Screen capture/ Official Video for 'Celestial Fire'

Änglagård in Tel Aviv – a love affair between band and audience

Änglagård

Some bands are accused of plagiarism. Änglagård is a band that will never be accused of stealing someone else’s tune. Sure, there was a Genesis tape playing as we walked in, and audience members sported a range of prog rock t-shirts, from Jethro Tull to King Crimson, but the complex, instrumental songs performed by this Swedish five-piece are like nothing else.

The show was an act of love and devotion by Shachar Tal, who crowdfunded the entire concert through an organisation he named Highly Unprofessional Productions, and Kumeran Sahar, who led the production team. The event felt less like a rock concert and more like a bunch of friends getting together to celebrate amazing music. Although it had a very intimate feel, the venue was completely sold out with over 300 people coming to listen to the music of Änglagård.

If you are not familiar with Änglagård, they play unplayable songs with even more unpronounceable titles. The band began in 1991, broke up in 1994, reformed in 2002, broke up again in 2003 and then reformed again from 2011-2012, again from 2014-2017 and reformed most recently in 2022. Three of the current members have been in the band since the beginning (or near enough) — bassist Johan Brand, guitarist Jonas Engdegård and drummer/percussionist Mattias Olsson. They were joined on this tour by Staffan Lindroth on keyboards and Oskar Forsberg playing flute, saxophone, megaphone and shaker.

Tal came on stage to welcome everyone who contributed to bringing the band to Israel and he introduced the band.

Änglagård came on to the small, intimate stage as the tape played Prolog. Then they launched into Gånglåt från Knapptibble. Brand explained that this song was originally recorded for an English prog rock magazine as a floppy record. According to him, those floppy singles are very rare today.

If you are not familiar with Änglagård’s music, they weave patterns of sound with syncopated, odd time signatures. I suppose the best description I can give is organised chaos. If you imagine the more tame, sanitised prog rock bands of the past few decades, Änglagård is nothing like that. They are daring and breathtaking and constantly pushing the limits of what is possible to play and to hear.

Brand played his bass as a lead instrument, often venturing up to the dangerous part of the Rickenbacker neck. He alternated between using a pick and fingers on his Rotosound 606s.

Engdegård switched frequently between electric and acoustic guitar, though he also pulled out a classical at one point. His leather trousers contrasted sharply with Forsberg’s blazer and shorts.

Forsberg’s vibrato-drenched flute sparkled like a diamond, while his saxophone augmented the heavy, bassy keyboards. And he even pulled out a megaphone for “Kung Bore.” Lindroth stayed out of the spotlight, but his keyboards held the entire ensemble together.

Olsson was like a magician, pulling one trick after another out from his drum kit. He played drums, chimes, a gong and a host of other percussion instruments. He even switched to guitar at one point. His rhythms took the band out into the deep, dangerous waters of anarchy, yet remained the bedrock of their sound.

The audience was an interesting mix. There were plenty of middle aged men and women along with a contingent of head banging teenagers in the corner of the stage.

To highlight how personal this concert was, the band came out to chat with the fans (and sell some merch) during the break (yes, they had an intermission). There were a lot of hardcore fans lining up for photos with the guys.

Davidavi (Vidi) Dolev, vocalist for the opening band Subterranean Masquerade joined Änglagård for the vocals on “Kung Bore.”

Olsson summed up the love in the room when he spoke of the songs and the audience as being old friends and becoming new friends. He quoted the Beatles, saying, “We’d like to take you home with us, we’d like to take you home.”

The concert ended with a haunting theme played in flute.

Subterranean Masquerade

Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley

I’ve seen the opening band, Subterranean Masquerade once before, when they opened for Sons of Apollo. I was very impressed with them then, and they were even better this time (with a slightly different lineup).

Vocalist Dolev looked like an extra from Fiddler on the Roof and spoke of how he was recently weaned off sleeping pills. He has an amazing vocal range, switching from a baritone to growls and then to a high falsetto.

The band’s analogue keyboard textures transported us back to the early 1970s. The pounding toms ensured it was rocking while the duelling guitars interwove lines in a blend of middle eastern and Celtic lines.

Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley

At times, the band were jumping like hasidim at a mitzvah tantz, while at other times they were thrashing and bashing.

The band, comprised of Dolev on vocals, Tomer Pink, Omer Fishbein and Or Shalev on guitar, Shai Yallin on keyboards, Golan Farhi on bass and Jonathan Amar on drums, are one of Israel’s best. Check them out.

Änglagård Setlist

Höstsejd
Ur vilande
Jordrök
Vandringar i vilsenhet
Ifrån klarhet till klarhet
Kung Bore
Encore:
Sista Somrar

The Venue
Grey. Ibn Gabirol 30. On floor minus one of a shopping mall with a parking lot conveniently located downstairs.
Seated venue with capacity for just over 300 people. There is food and drink available.
Tables for four. Best to come with a few mates if you feel uncomfortable on my own.

Buddy Guy cancels Israel gigs

Blues legend says will not travel to region due to ‘unrest’

Blues legend Buddy Guy announced via Facebook on Tuesday that he is cancelling his two scheduled Israeli concerts due to “unrest and recent military operations.”

He had been scheduled to play Caesarea and Tel Aviv on July 19 and 20, 2023.

The Offspring Debut in Tel Aviv

The Offspring played a wild mix of their old hits and new songs at the Tel Aviv Expo Center on Tuesday night. The band was especially gracious and excited about coming to Israel for the first time, even inserting Hebrew words like “Shalom”, “L’chaim” and “Sababa” into the performance

photo Daniel Lester

The band appreciated the crowd singing along. Lead man, Dexter Holland, and lead guitarist Kevin Wasserman (aka Noodles), paused Bad Habit in the middle and messed with the crowd and warned them they were going to curse.

photo Daniel Lester

Balloons and confetti were thrown into the crowd and the stage was “decorated” with dancing man inflatables.

  1. Come Out and Play
  2. All I Want
  3. Want You Bad
  4. Staring at the Sun
  5. Hit That
  6. Hammerhead
  7. Bad Habit
  8. Iron Man / The Trooper / Sweet Child o’ Mine / In the Hall of the Mountain King
  9. Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones cover)
  10. Gotta Get Away
  11. Why Don’t You Get a Job?
  12. (Can’t Get My) Head Around You
  13. Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)
  14. The Kids Aren’t Alright

Encore:

  1. You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid
  2. Self Esteem