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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.”
MICHALE GRAVES TO PLAY IN TEL AVIV Michale Graves will visit and play for the very first time at the Gagarin Club Tel Aviv, Israel on July 16th 2024 . The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning… pic.twitter.com/5LlQ9PQOpa
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 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-Ariehave 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.
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.
Änglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David SedleyÄnglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
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
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
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.
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 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.
Come Out and Play
All I Want
Want You Bad
Staring at the Sun
Hit That
Hammerhead
Bad Habit
Iron Man / The Trooper / Sweet Child o’ Mine / In the Hall of the Mountain King
The Black Keys hit the stage in Park Rishon LeTziyon, Tel Aviv, for their debut performance, bringing “Dropout Boogie” to Israel.
The Black Keys
At the same time The Offspring were hitting the stage for their debut in Israel at the Tel Aviv Expo center, The Black Keys hit the stage for their own debut at Park Rishon LeTziyon. The Black Keys opened with “I Got Mine” from 2008’s Attack and Release, and continued for almost an hour and a half playing hits from throughout their discography. In fact only 2 of the songs played were from their most recent album, Dropout Boogie, despite the fact that Tel Aviv was a stop on their Dropout Boogie tour.
photo Aaron Wolfphoto Aaron Wolf
Patrick Carney played the drums in his signature way- almost slumped over the kit, while Dan Auerbach seduced the crowd with his unique blues-rock riffs. The backing band stood behind the two, and the stage was backlit by a large panel that displayed images relevant to the song or album (some of which were probably lost on fellow fans not from northeast Ohio).
The night climaxed with the Keys’ encore where Auerbach played the delicate opening to Little Black Submarines. The entire crowd was silent until Dan began singing along with all 10,000 fans at Park Rishon. The Black Keys finished their set with their (probably) most popular song Lonely Boy.
Swedish virtuosi will perform in Grey Club in Tel Aviv on September 11
Swedish progressive rock band Änglagård will bring their unique style of symphonic prog to Israel for the first time in September. The band is set to play the Grey Club in Tel Aviv on September 11, 2023.
Änglagård was formed in Sweden in 1991. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by the 1970s progressive rock scene, particularly by bands such as King Crimson, Yes, and Genesis. Their music features complex arrangements, intricate guitar and keyboard work, and a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. Änglagård’s music is often described as “symphonic prog.”
Although the band split up in 1994, it reformed in 2009 and has been active ever since. The current band lineup is Mattias Olsson (drums), Johan Högberg (bass), Jonas Engdegård (guitars), Oskar Forsberg (flutes, saxophones, keyboards) and Staffan Lindroth (keyboards).
Israel band Subterranean Masquerade to open
The band is being brought to Israel by a brand-new promoter called Highly Unprofessional Productions. The promoters say that the concert is, “crowdfunded as a purely non-profit initiative. A work of passion, by fans of the band.”
Well established, highly renowned Israeli band Subterranean Masquerade will open the concert. I last heard them open for Sons of Apollo and was very impressed with their tight sound and impressive musical talents.
History of Änglagård
Änglagård’s debut album, “Hybris”, was released in 1992 and was a critical and commercial success. The album features a blend of acoustic and electric instruments, with a strong focus on the mellotron, a keyboard instrument that was popular in the 1970s. The album’s intricate compositions and complex arrangements garnered praise from fans and critics alike, and helped to establish Änglagård as one of the leading bands in the progressive rock scene.
After the release of “Hybris”, Änglagård went on hiatus for several years before reuniting in 2002. The band released its second album, “Epilog”, in 1994, which further cemented their reputation as one of the premier progressive rock bands of the era. The album features a more mature sound, with a greater emphasis on acoustic instruments and a more subdued approach to the use of electric instruments.
The band’s intricate compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and classical influences have inspired countless other musicians to explore the boundaries of progressive rock.
The venue
Grey Club (Tel Aviv) is located at 30 Ibn Gabirol Street. It is one of three Grey Clubs (the others are in Modi’in and Yehud). There is a wide variety of music happening at Grey – check their website (Hebrew) for more concerts.
