The Daily Swarm

Telegraph:

The legendary rock star’s concert in Tel Aviv, announced earlier this year, has now been scheduled for September 25, according to reports in Israel.

The Beatles were set to tour Israel in 1965, but were refused entry permits. The reason given at the time was that the government could not afford the expense.

But it was widely held that Israel was concerned it would not be able to cope with Beatlemania and feared the band might corrupt Israeli youth.

Earlier this year Israel officially apologised for cancelling the concert and sent letters to Sir Paul and Ringo Starr, the two surviving members of the group. Apologies were also given to the relatives of John Lennon and George Harrison,

Israel’s ambassador to Britain Ron Prosor, said the country wanted to “rectify a historic missed opportunity.”

Haaretz:

Paul McCartney’s concert in Tel Aviv next month will cost its sponsors NIS 30 million – which they hope to recoup via ticket sales, with prices ranging from NIS 460–500 for standing room to NIS 1,400–1,600 for seats near the stage.

By comparison, the most expensive tickets for Roger Waters of Pink Floyd two years ago cost NIS 400.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday at midnight via the Internet site leaan.co.il.

Of the NIS 30 million, about half will go directly to the singer and his agents. The remainder will pay for the former Beatle’s back-up; airline tickets, hotels and food for him and his entourage; constructing the stage and setting up the lighting and sound systems; and security.

The up-front costs will borne by businessman Yakir Sha’ashua, 37, who stepped in after cell phone operator Partner backed out of financing the event. Sha’ashua owns an aviation company specializing in private jet and helicopter services for VIPs, as well as a real estate company active in Britain, the United States and Russia.