Much to the chagrin of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) advocate Roger Waters, Israel continues to host A-list musicians looking to perform and take advantage of its religious, and cultural, institutions. This year alone has seen artists like Mariah Carey, the boys from One Republic, Damian Marley, Chris Brown and Robbie Williams (to name a few) play venues across the Holy Land, and several more are scheduled to perform, including the likes of Kanye West and one Jon Bon Jovi.
In anticipation of his Oct. 3 concert in Tel Aviv, Bon Jovi spoke to Israeli newspaper Yediot Achronot about his excitement to play his debut show in the country’s cultural capital. With over 40,000 fans set to attend, it appears the feeling is definitely mutual.
“I always heard what a wonderful place Israel is – the birthplace of all religions,” Bon Jovi said. “I have been everywhere and Israel was a place that I’ve always wanted to visit, but it never worked out. This time I insisted that Israel must be on our list and it happened!”
In a conversation with reporter Raz Schechnik, Bon Jovi reportedly asked if the White City is as glamorous as it’s made up to be. He had a specific interest in the city’s culinary destinations.
“I heard that it’s an amazing city, vibrant and dynamic, and full of great restaurants. There’s talk that it’s one of the best culinary cities in the world. I’m going to have to check that out,” he said.
Schechnik, in turn, asked Bon Jovi about his thoughts on former Pink Floyd frontman Waters’ campaign to encourage musicians to boycott the country – one that has, at times, proven successful. “Yes, I heard about that but it doesn’t interest me,” Bon Jovi responded. “I told my managers to give one simple answer: that I’m coming to Israel and I’m excited to come.
“There are few places in the world that I haven’t been, Israel is one of them,” he continued. “So I’m thrilled to be coming. We want to stay for a few days and see as much as possible.”
For all of you out there lucky enough to attend, here's a preview of what's to come: