Mick Jagger to rock Tel Aviv soon?
Photo: Getty Images
Are the Stones rolling to Israel?
Legendary British rock band receives $4.5-million offer to perform at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park this June
Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones
may finally roll to Israel
this summer. The legendary British rock band has received some major offers from several Israeli producers for one concert this June at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park.
The band has an available slot between its concerts in Europe from late May to July 10, and the Israeli producers are hoping to book a performance in June. "Chances seem higher than ever this time," says a source involved in the talks, "although a contract has yet to be signed."
According to senior sources in the Israeli music industry, the highest bid was made in recent days by Marcel Avraham and Gadi Oron – $4.5 million, the highest sum ever received by an artist for performing in Israel. The two producers are awaiting a response from the Rolling Stone's representatives.
Summer Rocks
New music festival brings two of biggest names in 90s rock to Israel for first time. Pixies were scheduled to appear in Israel in 2010, but canceled in aftermath of Gaza flotilla incident
The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest bands in history, have never been to Israel despite receiving quite a few offers in the past decade.
The band, which was founded in 1962 by childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Its current members include Jagger, Richards, Ronnie Wood and drummer Charlie Watts.
The band's first album was released in April 1964. Since then, the Stones have released 25 studio albums (29 including different versions), 17 live albums and more than 20 compilations, the latest in 2012 when the band celebrated its 50th anniversary. According to estimates, the Stones have sold nearly 300 million copies of their different albums.
Other international artists expected to perform in Israel this year include Justin Timberlake, who has signed a $1.8-million contract for a May 28 gig in Tel Aviv. The singer's representatives are expected to officially announce the concert this week.
Beyoncé has received offers of about $3.5 million from different Israeli producers, and if all goes well, the American star is expected to perform in the Holy Land in April or May. It is quite possible that she will arrive for more than one concert.
