Arab-Israeli Metal Bands On Tour Together

[Jazzy]

Two heavy metal bands - one Israeli, the other Palestinian - are touring Europe together to promote coexistence.

Israeli group Orphaned Land and Arab rockers Khalas are playing 18 gigs in six different countries, including the UK and Ireland.

This week they played in Manchester, London, Dublin and Bilston.

Orphaned Land lead singer Kobi Farhi says of Palestinian guitarist Abed Hathut: "We have succeeded to grow above the conflict.

"Whether we come from an Arab, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim background, we adopted music as our religion above anything else.

"We share ideas, we talk about life. We talk about history. It's a strong, deep friendship. One of the most interesting friendships I have discovered in my life. And I'm learning every day, being a friend of Abed, how much we are brainwashed."

The musicians are sharing a stage and a tour bus for three weeks.

The pair say there is never a bad word exchanged between them, even when they hear reports of violence from the region.

Hathut told Sky News: "It's easy. When you know the person before everything, you know the person you are talking to, you know his story, where he is coming from, any issue that comes after that is easy to solve.

Video of the bands

Ever hear of either of these bands?

 

[Evil Eye]

Can't say that I have. Nice to see some people getting along though...

 

[Nebulous]

Never heard of them but promoting coexistence is a good thing!

 

[Raven]

Yes and I went to that tour! Played in Norwich last Monday. Fantastic gig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsPb1-uPIic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds3FALcR7M

I love Kobi's voice. Beautiful voice, just brilliant live.

 

[Jazzy]

@Stormrider: How awesome that you actually got to see them perform!

 

[Raven]

Yea, Been waiting to see Orphaned Land for a long time, Couldn't believe it when they were announced to play little ole Norwich.. All the supports were great, I did end up buying Khalas (the support act mentioned in the article) album.

 

[Nebulous]

@Stormrider: How awesome that you actually got to see them perform!

Thats what I was gonna say!