Boy George offers friendship and 80s hits to appreciative Tel Aviv audience

Boy George performed his first of two shows in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, bringing 1980s hits and a message of friendship to a crowd of around 10,000 at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The British singer, who has faced boycotts for his support of Israel, was joined by Israeli singer Ivri Lider and performed his new song about the Nova music festival massacre.

Boy George brought friendship, sequins and his beloved 1980s hits to his first of two shows in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night. A crowd of around 10,000 filled Menora Mivtachim Arena. George, who has faced widespread condemnation and boycotts for his outspoken support for Israel since the Gaza war, took the stage saying, 'Shalom! I'm very happy to be here tonight.' For over two hours, he performed a mix of old Culture Club hits, covers of Prince, David Bowie and Rolling Stones songs, and his latest song 'We Will Dance Again' about the Nova music festival massacre. Israeli singer Ivri Lider joined him for 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.' George commented on the last-minute nature of the concert, denying media reports that he had difficulty finding musicians. He also discussed growing up gay in 1970s England. During his visit, he met President Isaac Herzog, visited the Western Wall and the Nova memorial site. His second show on Saturday night is dedicated to Nova survivors, with philanthropist Sylvan Adams providing 1,500 tickets.