← Back to lessons
Israeli rock developed from the late 1970s, early bands like Kaveret (1973-76) shaped the genre, then Mashina (1986-2003 main run, occasional reunions), HaYehudim (Berry Sakharof\'s band, 1989-95). Aviv Geffen became the rock-protest icon of the 90s, son of poet Yonatan Geffen and voice of post-Rabin disillusionment. Today HaDag Nachash mixes rock with hip-hop, HaYehudim has reformed, and mainstream Israeli rock has fragmented into many smaller scenes. Lyrics often political, philosophical, melancholic; sound spans punk, indie, alt-rock.
Cultural note, Mashina was the radio-ubiquitous \'80s-90s alt-rock band, songs "Anachnu Lo Tzrichim" (We Don\'t Need), "Ahava Atrochet" (Endless Love), "Shtei Marot" (Two Mirrors). HaYehudim with Berry Sakharof is more melancholic-philosophical. Aviv Geffen, son of poet Yonatan Geffen, was the voice of post-Rabin assassination disillusionment in the mid-1990s. Israeli rock fandom is more niche than Mizrahi or Eurovision pop, but vinyl shops in Tel Aviv (Ozen Bar, Tzlil) keep the scene alive, and Barby remains the flagship rock venue.
Major Bands
Solo Rock Artists
Iconic Songs
Rock Instruments
Rock Music Vocabulary
A Night at Barby
Two friends at Barby Tel Aviv watching a Mashina reunion show.