It’s gearing up to be a hot summer in Israel, with many international rock and pop stars announcing concerts in Tel Aviv.

Veteran British rock star Rod Stewart will play at the Ramat Gan stadium on 1 July with tickets on sale on the internet (www.leann.co.il). Ticket prices will range from NIS 550 to NIS 1000.

Stewart's first concert in Israel was also held at the Ramat Gan Stadium in July 1983, when he was at the peak of his career. Before arriving in Israel, Stewart, 65, is scheduled to perform in Romania, Austria and Hungary, as part of his current world tour.

Also playing at the Ramat Gan Stadium is another veteran British rock star Elton John who will return to Israel for the third time to perform on June 17, exactly 17 years after his previous Holy Land concert. Tickets for the much-anticipated concert will go on sale to the general public on 9 February, with prices expected to range from NIS 350 to NIS 1,000. Elton John first performed in Tel Aviv in 1979 and again in 1993, when he performed at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park.

1960s teen idol Paul Anka, accompanied by 12 musicians, will return to Israel for a third concert at Tel Aviv’s Nokia arena on 29 May, after two sell-out concerts in the same venue in November 2009. Tickets ranging in price from NIS 340 to NIS 1000 are on sale at www.tkts.co.il, 

In addition, Metallica are planning their third visit to Israel with a concert on 22 May at the Ramat Gan stadium; folk singer legend Bob Dylan is planning a concert at the Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv on 27 May and alternative rock band The Pixies will play on 9 June as part of a larger rock festival.  

Unfortunately, Santana has cancelled the concert in Israel.

Little wonder that Forbes Magazine recently included Tel Aviv as one of the world’s top party cities!