The singer actually wanted to play in front of a large audience in Tel Aviv on Saturday. But after Hamas terrorists killed hundreds on Israeli territory, the gig was canceled for security reasons.
Bruno Mars was unable to make his scheduled appearance at HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv (Israel) over the weekend. The concert on Saturday (October 7th) was canceled at short notice after the Islamist Hamas launched an unprecedented terrorist attack on Israel early in the morning.
Organizer Live Nation addressed the affected audience with regret on Instagram: “We stand on the side of the residents of Israel, the Israeli armed forces and security forces in this difficult time.”
Bruno Mars initially did not comment on the gig, which was canceled at short notice. The singer was already in the country and had played in Israel for the first time in his career last Wednesday (October 4th). A total of 60,000 people gathered in HaYarkon Park to hear his greatest hits. The concert on Saturday was also sold out in advance.
Bruno Mars and his connection to Israel
“We’ve heard a lot of exciting stories about this place, we’ve heard that you like to sweat and dance,” said Bruno Mars, according to the Times Of Israel, during his celebrated performance a few days ago and was looking forward to performing there with his Israeli fans can.
The singer was obviously keen to show his audience how much he respects Israel’s culture. He greeted his audience with a “Shalom” and often sang in Hebrew, such as “Ani Ohev Otach” (I love you) in the song “Calling All My Lovelies.” Mars, who was born in Hawaii, also has a personal connection to Israel. His father has Jewish roots.
Whether there will be a catch-up concert soon remains to be seen. Israel declared a state of war on Saturday following the devastating Hamas attack. Rocket alarms were heard across the country over the weekend, including in Tel Aviv.