The Rolling Stones Perform In Israel For First Time

After more than 50 years together there aren’t too many first-world countries The Rolling Stones haven’t played since they were formed in 1962. Last night the band finally crossed Israel off the list of those countries with a performance at Tel Aviv’s Park Hayarkon in front of over 40,000 fans.

Mick singing Angie on stage tonight #StonesTelAviv pic.twitter.com/GT94vFIz6o

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) June 4, 2014

The Stones went on with the show despite pleas from Roger Waters and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, who urged the band to boycott Israel. Front man Mick Jagger greeted the crowd in Hebrew and mentioned that the day was the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which led to a later start time to allow those observing to attend. Jagger also led a cheer for drummer Charlie Watts, who celebrated his 73rd birthday a few days earlier. Before the show, The Stones toured a few historical sites in the country including The Western Wall.

Setlist-wise, The Rolling Stones stuck to a similar script as past 2014 performances for the most part with “Get Off My Cloud” voted into the show by fans. Also of note, “Angie” was performed for the first time since the band kicked off the current leg of their tour. Former member Mick Taylor was on hand for “Midnight Rambler” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Next up for the Stones is a performance at Pink Pop in The Netherlands on Saturday.