BBC on McCartney Concert: Sir Paul to play Israel concert

Sir Paul to play Israel concert 
 
Sir Paul McCartney is to play a concert in Tel Aviv next month - 43 years after being banned from performing there.

 

Israel's government banned the Beatles in 1965, fearing they would corrupt young fans.

 

But earlier this year, Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the UK, visited Liverpool and apologised to the band for the "misunderstanding".

 

The gig takes place on 25 September. "We can't wait to get out there and rock," said Sir Paul in a statement.

 

"I've heard so many great things about Tel Aviv and Israel, but hearing is one thing and experiencing it for yourself is another," he added.

 

"We are planning to have a great time and a great evening."

 

Sir Paul has played a number of special, one-off concerts around the world this year, including the Independence Concert in Kiev, Ukraine; in Liverpool as part of the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations; and in Quebec to help celebrate the Canadian city's 400th anniversary.

 

He is also due to make a rare live appearance with his dance music side project, The Fireman, on Jools Holland's BBC Two show when it returns on 16 September.