News

TEL AVIV, Israel — A concert by Elton John has given Israelis a boost
after a string of cancellations by other world-famous artists.

The
British rocker performed late Thursday in front of a screaming crowd of
nearly 50,000 fans at a Tel Aviv stadium.

John, who wore
blue-tinted sunglasses, told the audience those cancellations "ain't
gonna stop me from playing here, baby."

Recent cancellations by
the Pixies and Elvis Costello, who cited Israeli government policies,
have added to Israel's growing sense of isolation.

John swiped at
those artists, saying, "We do not cherry-pick our consciences," before
hitting the opening chords of his 1972 hit "Crocodile Rock."