Boy George has landed in Israel, and he says it was the fears of his Jewish friends that pushed him to make the trip. The former Culture Club frontman arrived on Saturday ahead of two Tel Aviv concerts at the Menora Mivtachim Arena, on November 4 and November 7. "I just felt like I needed to say something," he said, explaining why he chose to speak out. The first show, in an arena that holds up to 11,000 people, was almost sold out, which led to the second one, called "We Will Dance Again" and dedicated to the Nova music festival community and their families.

The shows follow his song of the same name, a tribute to the victims of the Nova attack that also criticizes claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Since its release, he says, friends have stopped calling, concerts and collaborations have been canceled, and even an invitation to a friend's memorial service was withdrawn. The song also prompted refund requests and calls to cancel his appearance at a fair in Vancouver. He has turned down boycott calls before, and he is one of few major international artists to play in Israel during the war. Critics, including boycott supporters, argue that performing there gives cover to the Israeli government and that the song takes a one-sided stance on a deeply contested conflict, while his supporters see it as an act of solidarity. Either way, the November 7 show is set to be one of the most talked-about concerts in Tel Aviv this year.