Country Profile: Israel

In Israel, promoters of international artists include Shuki Weiss, Live Nation Israel, Zemach Productions, 2b Vibes Music, and Yellow Brick.

At the time of writing, the coordinated surprise attack by Hamas on the Supernova festival and other sites across the country on 7 October meant live entertainment was on hold.

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, which saw more than 1,400 people killed and scores kidnapped, concerts and festivals were cancelled, including a Live Nation Israel- promoted, 60,000-capacity concert by Bruno Mars on 7 October in Tel Aviv’s HaYarkon Park.

In a statement regarding the cancellation, Live Nation Israel said: “We stand with the residents of Israel, IDF fighters, and the security forces in these difficult moments.”

“Entertainment can wait.”

The deaths of more than 260 people at the festival were described as “the biggest ever disaster at a music festival” by Israeli music execs.

Jonathan Lipitz, founder of Yellow Brick and owner of Tel Aviv-based club Kuli Alma, told IQ: “This is the biggest tragedy my country has ever faced.”

Lipitz, who employs around 60 people across his club and promotions company, said that many of his colleagues have been drafted into the army. In the meantime, Kuli Alma has closed indefinitely and Yellow Brick’s scheduled shows at the Barby Club before the end of the year will probably be postponed.

“Entertainment can wait,” Lipitz said.