Deep Purple: In Israel soon?
צילום: רויטרס
Deep Purple to play in Israel?
Serious negotiations underway to bring legendary band to Jewish state this coming summer as part of their European tour
Legendary English rock band Deep Purple might just be playing in Israel this summer. Ynet has learned that serious negotiations are currently underway to bring the band for a one-time only show in Israel this August as part of the band’s European tour which begins July 2008.
“We are working very hard to bring the band to Israel,” a leading Israeli producer told Ynet. “There are major logistical issues surrounding the band’s tour dates that need to be worked out, so nothing is set in stone quite yet.”
In an exclusive interview with Ynet last year, Deep Purple’s frontman Ian Gillan spoke about the possibility of performing in Israel.
“We actually had plans to tour Israel,” noted Gillan. “Many fans assume that we sit in front of a computer screen, pen in hand, and decide just when and where we would like to perform, but it does not work that way.”
“The truth is,” said Gillan, “that our band’s manager works with local producers that bring the band to a particular venue. I, personally, ‘almost played’ in Israel nearly three times. The band performed in Israel once without me, with Joe Lynn Turner as the lead singer, but maybe I can get there one day soon, at least I hope so."
Israeli music fans, take heart. This coming summer might be shaping up to be a big one musically. Industry insiders reveal that after two successive years of surprisingly successful performances in Israel by various international artists, “Negotiations are underway with almost all major artists touring Europe this summer in an effort to bring them to Israel as well.”
