McCartney plays Israel
Most of my friends and family know that Paul McCartney is my hero. To me, he is beyond a legendary musician. He’s a cultural icon, a humanitarian, a philanthropist and a very savvy businessman. I admit that when I saw him in concert on September 23, 2002, I was more than a little star struck.
But the thing I most admire about him is that he does things his way and he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. And this includes laying his life on the line for something he believes in.
Last Thursday, September 25th, McCartney played before 45,000 fans in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was the first concert by a major western artist in that country in nearly four decades. Other big stars have been invited to play in Israel over the years, but all of them have declined or canceled because of death threats.
Indeed, McCartney received multiple death threats over the last two weeks. Radical Muslim cleric Omar Bakri vowed to kill McCartney if he stepped on stage in Israel. “Mr. McCartney will become the enemy of all Muslims around the world if he performs in the land of the occupiers,” Bakri said in a statement. “If he values his life, he must not come to Israel. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him there.”
Sacrifice operatives? These people are absolutely insane.
Of course, major precautions were taken during McCartney’s two day stay. He had an army of 5,000 security guards and special agents protecting him and his entourage, which reportedly dwarfed President Bush’s security detail when he was in Israel.
McCartney said the show, which was dubbed the “Friendship First” concert, was for the people of Israel and Palestine. “I am bringing a message of peace,” McCartney said.
He then added a wry comment, which harkens back to the dark humor of his Beatles days, “You couldn’t keep me off that stage. They won’t kill me. It’s bad publicity.” That might be the quote of the year.
In the end, McCartney was intimidated by no one. As you can see here, he schmoozes the crowd with some Hebrew and looks as relaxed as can be.
He stepped on stage in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park and put on a fantastic three hour show, opening with the Beatles classic, “Hello, Goodbye.” This clip is fun because you get a feel for the excitement of the audience. Remember, these people waited 45 years to see the former Beatle… and not many stars of his magnitude have the balls to visit their neighborhood. It was a very special night.
McCartney also was not afraid to show his face while in the country, visiting the Church of the Nativity and a music conservatory for gifted children before heading to sound check Thursday afternoon.
Like I said, the man does what he wants to do and he’ll risk his neck to do it.
How can you not admire that?
But the thing I most admire about him is that he does things his way and he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. And this includes laying his life on the line for something he believes in.
Last Thursday, September 25th, McCartney played before 45,000 fans in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was the first concert by a major western artist in that country in nearly four decades. Other big stars have been invited to play in Israel over the years, but all of them have declined or canceled because of death threats.
Indeed, McCartney received multiple death threats over the last two weeks. Radical Muslim cleric Omar Bakri vowed to kill McCartney if he stepped on stage in Israel. “Mr. McCartney will become the enemy of all Muslims around the world if he performs in the land of the occupiers,” Bakri said in a statement. “If he values his life, he must not come to Israel. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him there.”
Sacrifice operatives? These people are absolutely insane.
Of course, major precautions were taken during McCartney’s two day stay. He had an army of 5,000 security guards and special agents protecting him and his entourage, which reportedly dwarfed President Bush’s security detail when he was in Israel.
McCartney said the show, which was dubbed the “Friendship First” concert, was for the people of Israel and Palestine. “I am bringing a message of peace,” McCartney said.
He then added a wry comment, which harkens back to the dark humor of his Beatles days, “You couldn’t keep me off that stage. They won’t kill me. It’s bad publicity.” That might be the quote of the year.
In the end, McCartney was intimidated by no one. As you can see here, he schmoozes the crowd with some Hebrew and looks as relaxed as can be.
He stepped on stage in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park and put on a fantastic three hour show, opening with the Beatles classic, “Hello, Goodbye.” This clip is fun because you get a feel for the excitement of the audience. Remember, these people waited 45 years to see the former Beatle… and not many stars of his magnitude have the balls to visit their neighborhood. It was a very special night.
McCartney also was not afraid to show his face while in the country, visiting the Church of the Nativity and a music conservatory for gifted children before heading to sound check Thursday afternoon.
Like I said, the man does what he wants to do and he’ll risk his neck to do it.
How can you not admire that?
