(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Only a few years after a US-government warning to avoid traveling to the country directly injured the live music business in Israel, Shuki Weiss has reinvigorated the country’s concert halls with the music of international superstars.
When funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers cancelled tourdates in the country due to terror threats in 2001, big name entertainers began avoiding the area, fearing for their safety and afraid to be the cause of large groups of people.
“There were years that were bad…but never for more than a year,” concert promoter Shuki Weiss told the AP. Israel’s economic recession, coupled with the violence at the time, had created a “promoter’s nightmare.”
In recent times, however, it appears that Weiss is getting the country’s music biz back on track.
A November 7th concert by Phil Collins proved to be a turning point for the industry, as the stop on his “First Final Farewell Tour” proved hugely successful, and prompted agents worldwide to start looking back to Tel Aviv.
Phil Collins stop at the 15,000-capacity Bloomfield Stadium caused a sensation in the country, demonstrating the desire of Israeli music fans for more. Since, concerts by Mercury Rev, John Cale and dEUS have gone on without a hitch.
International superstars Depeche Mode are heading to Israel for a highly anticipated show in August, with tickets for the British pop band selling rapidly. Controversial American rapper Eminem is also reportedly planning a show in Tel Aviv later in the year. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
