2024 in review: Jewish music

Bob Dylan, Royal Albert Hall

​In what was undoubtedly the most momentous concert of 2024, Bob Dylan played the Royal Albert Hall for three nights sin November – the last night of an epic three-year world tour to promote his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways. Now 83, Dylan performed a 17-song set drawn mostly from that LP, as well as tracks spanning his career including All Along the Watchtower and Every Grain of Sand. Those there to watch the world’s greatest singer-songwriter give his all at the baby grand piano and harmonica wondered if this would be their last time seeing him perform. (Collage, bottom row, centre)

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Eurovision

Let the Jews' music play on: Eden Golan lands in Malmo for this year's Eurovision Song Contest הופעה בן גוריון תל אביב האירוויזיון עדן גולןFlash90

After death threats and lyric changes, Israel’s Eden Golan arrived in Malmo, Sweden, for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with three times the typical number of security guards and advice to not leave her hotel room. The 20-year-old born in Israel to Russian parents braved the hatred to deliver a defiant, dignified and stunningly emotive rendition of Hurricane. The triumphant moment, in which Golan scored the top public vote from 14 countries in Eurovision, united Jews around Europe. One of the most controversial performances in the singing competition’s history, and one that will never be forgotten.

As1one

Brought together to show the possibilities of co-existence, as1one became the world’s first Israeli-Palestinian boy band, after a search and audition to find the most talented singers and musicians in Israel launched by industry hitmakers James Diener and Ken Levitan (who signed and developed Maroon 5 and Kings of Leon). The six young Jewish Israelis and Palestinians embarked on their life’s dream as a boy band recording their debut album only for October 7 to threaten to shatter their aspirations. Still, they emerged united with an LP of five songs featuring Nile Rodgers on guitar, and a new documentary series on Paramount+ telling their remarkable story. (Collage, top right).