Friday, June 18, 2010

Elton John: No one could have stopped me from coming


British music star Elton John performs in front of tens of thousands of Israelis in Ramat Gan.
By City Mouse Online

Refusing to bow to the pressure of anti-Israel activists, Sir Elton John arrived in Israel on Thursday and performed in front of tens of thousands of Israelis at the Ramat Gan stadium. John's arrival followed weeks of speculation due to several recent cancellations of concerts in Israel by other musical acts including Elvis Costello, the Pixies and Devendra Banhart for politically-related reasons.

The British music star, who last peformed in Israel in 1993, greeted the enthusiastic crowd by saying "Shalom" in Hebrew.
Elton John

British musician Sir Elton John performs at the Ramat Gan stadium on Thursday June 17, 2010.
Photo by: Daniel Tchetchik

John said that no one could have stopped him from coming to perform in Israel.

"We're spreading peace and love on this stage and we're happy to be here," he said.

Comment: For those who do not know, today's entertainers are under enormous pressure not to perform in Israel. There has been threats to property, future performances and even to their person. It is remarkable that Elton John performed last night-friends of mine attended and said he did an amazing job. He flew in, did the show and flew out-but he honored his word at great risk to his career-thank you Elton!

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