The Rolling Stones land in Israel

Storied rock band begins first-ever visit to Israel; preparations underway for Wednesday concert in Tel Aviv

The Rolling Stones touched down in Israel Monday night aboard their private plane, festooned with the band’s name and logo. The visit marks the band’s first in Israel, with the highlight expected to be a much-anticipated concert for 50,000 fans wednesday night at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park.

The band arrived with a 70-person entourage, at least 100 more technical and other staff, and some 1,000 tourists who flew in Monday to attend the Wednesday concert. The arrivals were dubbed the Rolling Stones “airlift” by Israeli television news anchors.

Many members of the entourage, including many family members, are set to accompany the group for the entirety of their European tour.

Preparations for the large-scale performance began Sunday, ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated shows in Tel Aviv history. The stage will be decked with LED panels brought to Israel by the band, and a 34-meter (111-foot) catwalk will extend from the stage.

Tickets are still available for the concert, at NIS 700 apiece. At least 46,000 tickets have been sold so far. Doors are set to open on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. for the 9:15 p.m. show.

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