Reports: Paul McCartney To Play Israel In September, 40 Years After Beatles Ban

JERUSALEM — Sir Paul McCartney is set to perform in Israel, 40 years after his legendary band, the Beatles, were banned from playing in the Holy Land.

Israeli media were abuzz with excitement on Sunday with news of McCartney's visit. The rock star was scheduled to play earlier in the year, but the show was canceled. Israeli media reported McCartney would perform in Tel Aviv on September 25.

Tel Aviv city officials could not be reached to confirm the report. McCartney's publicist, Stuart Bell said, "Nothing's been confirmed."

The Beatles were set to tour the Jewish state in 1965, but they were refused entry permits over concerns the group's lyrics could corrupt Israeli youth.

Comments

[SouthJerseySteve]

Tel Aviv is the new "Los Angeles" of the Middle East--times have changed. I hope Sir Paul is permitted to perform in Yisrael--the youth there are in for a treat!

[marymansour]

I thought McCartney and the Beatles were peaceniks. Israel is an aggressor.

[Nooneyouknow]

And the PLO and Hamas aren't?

[marymansour]

Victims.

[spiderbucket]

In the middle east - there is PLENTY of stupidity to spread around.

[lioness39]

I wouldn't go now if I were Paul.

[MagisterLudi]

Luckily for the world-- you're not.

[revko]

Well, they were more popular than Moses

[HamletsMill]

LOL

[robotfog]

still are. heh

[mlpa]

I think John would have a great laugh at you comment, as I did. Thanks for the wit!!!

[MagisterLudi]

But not more popular than Nike and Coke...

[carlgt1]

haha, I didn't know Israel was so backward that they couldn't handle the Beatles in '65!

[NCOak]

"The Beatles were set to tour the Jewish state in 1965, but they were refused entry permits over concerns the group's lyrics could corrupt Israeli youth."

Wow, they're so cool over there.

[harleyblues]

this is an old rumour and I sure hope that Macca will not be playing in Israel its just not safe period, and I'll argue about that with anyone..

[ENK727]

I was there two years ago on a tour. Beautiful country. You almost feel safer there than in the US with all the security they have everywhere.

[Sapien6]

Argue with me then. I am Israeli, explain the dangers to me.