Cliff Richard. Coming soon?
צילום: Getty Images imagebank
Israel sees more 'golden oldies' rockers
Summer of 2010 set to attract more over-the-hill musicians, such as Cliff Richard and Diana Ross
The summer of 2010 has cast Israel as the setting of a reunion for musicians whose glory days are long gone, and sources in the music industry say they are now negotiating the arrival of Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, and Neil Sedaka.
Detailed proposals have already been handed to the three aging artists, and Israel is impatiently awaiting their responses.
Add to this list Paul Anka, Elton John, and Rod Stewart – who have or will perform in Israel as well – and a certain golden oldies trend may be perceived.
Paul McCartney and Leonard Cohen, who performed in Israel last year, are other examples of artists who peaked long ago. Their shows drew large crowds, however, and were largely praised.
Of the artists being asked to perform, Sir Cliff Richards, who will hit 70 soon, is perhaps the most prestigious. The British knight had a dazzling music career that began in the late fifties and lasted around 20 years, and he put on a show in Israel in the early seventies.
The man who invited him this year is the same who secured his appearance way back then, Shmuel Tzemach. He has already booked the Nokia hall in Tel Aviv for two September shows and awaits the star's arrival.
But Richard is also being courted by another music-savvy Israeli, businessman Kobi Sidi, who is simultaneously propositioning Diana Ross.
