Aviv Geffen to open for Brett Anderson

Israeli singer Aviv Geffen continues to cement his status as one of Israel's most successful exports: Geffen stands to be the opening act for two high-profiled British performers – former Suede frontman Brett Anderson and Mercury Rev.

"Anderson got my latest album from my London office," Geffen told Yedioth Ahronoth. "We met for coffee, he told me he loved the songs and then asked me if I would like to open for his Berlin and Paris gigs.

"I was floored. He just set it all up with the office. We're also talking about headlining a concert together. He'll be performing my songs and I'll be performing his. This is a really big deal," Geffen continued. "Brett Anderson, to me and to an entire generation that grew up in the 90s, is a big deal and someone to learn from.

"There's nothing mundane about getting a call from him and as an artist I'm extremely flattered and excited."

Despite the notable thrill, Geffen tries to keep a cool head: "Look, I can't say I've 'made it' on an international level just yet, but it's looking good. I have performances in London and the audiences are buying tickets and packing the venues… I'm releasing a new single in the UK in January and we'll see.

"This is a very big step for me, being the opening act for Anderson and Mercury Rev. The bottom line is that I still have a long way to go, but this is a big step."

Geffen's London representative added: "Aviv has an incredible drive and we have every faith in him. He is definitely on his way to making it big in Europe."