Nearly two decades after his last concert in Israel, Bob Dylan is making his way back to the Holy Land.
Dylan agreed to play Tel Aviv in June during the middle of his world tour following lengthy negotiations between his people and Israeli concert promoters. The folk rock icon last played Israel in 1993; he also had performed there in 1987.
He is among several musical heavyweights coming to Israel in upcoming months, notably the teen sensation Justin Bieber, who was scheduled to perform April 14.
Next week, British singer Bryan Ferry, who reached the heights of his popularity with Roxy Music, is scheduled to perform in Tel Aviv, although an undisclosed illness might put that performance in jeopardy.
Megadeth will play Tel Aviv in May, the heavy metal band’s fourth appearance in Israel. Its former guitarist Marty Friedman, who is Jewish, will perform a solo show May 31.
Finally, Irish musician Bob Geldof, who in 1985 staged the Live Aid charity concert to help famine-stricken Africa, will visit Israel for the first time in May to receive an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The award will honor his successful musical career and his charitable activities.
While in Israel, Geldof also will participate in the conference “Israel in Africa: Past, Present and Future,” organized by IsraAID–The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid. — jta