Boy George visits Nova massacre site ahead of Tel Aviv shows

Pop star Boy George stood on the sandy paths of the Nova desert rave site at Re'im on Tuesday afternoon, confronting the physical location of a tragedy he has vocalized in song. The visit marked his first time at the site, where he walked slowly among survivors and bereaved families, shaking hands and listening to their accounts of the October 7, 2023 attack.

George, who arrived on day four of his Israel trip, is preparing for two upcoming concerts in Tel Aviv on November 4 and November 7. His second performance is dedicated to the Nova community. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who facilitated George's visit, is providing 1,500 tickets for bereaved members of the group. George wore his signature plaid pants and top hat while touring the site, a place he referenced in his recent single, “We Will Dance Again.”

Survivors offered mixed reactions to his presence. Omer Shem Tov, a former hostage held in Gaza for 505 days, described the visit as “very weird.” Shem Tov, who was taken captive from the rave, noted that it was only his second return to the location. “I came to dance and enjoy with my friends.. I never imagined this place would change my life,” Shem Tov said. He thanked George for taking the risk of performing in Israel, arguing that artists show courage by physically arriving rather than just speaking out.

Ofir Amir, a Nova organizer and manager of the Tribe of Nova Association, echoed these sentiments. Amir stated that artists hold the power to influence millions and must ensure hatred does not take root on dance floors. “George, today you are showing us what that leadership looks like,” Amir said. He noted that a traveling exhibit of the rave, which George saw in London, inspired the singer's song and his decision to visit Israel.

George has faced ostracism from peers for his outspoken support of Israel and his insistence on acknowledging the suffering of Israelis during the Hamas-led invasion. The attack killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, with 378 people murdered at the Nova festival specifically. George told reporters that the term “genocide” became a chant for some critics, and that he was horrified by people with no connection to the region telling him the events were fabricated.

“What horrified me more was people who have no connection telling me it wasn't true,” George said. “But I know enough Jewish people in London who know people here who confirmed it pretty quickly.” He explained that he wrote the song because he felt he needed to articulate his feelings deeply. “With a song you can’t waffle, you’ve got to get to the point,” he added, comparing the new track to his 1983 hit “Karma Chameleon.”

George mentioned he received a letter from Pink Floyd singer Roger Waters, a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, urging him to stop performing in Israel. George said he put the letter in the bin. He last performed in Israel in 2017 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv. During the Tuesday visit, he also met with President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Monday and visited the Western Wall before heading to the Nova site.

The singer said he finds it difficult to hit the high notes on the lyric “If you’re ever confused, I stand with the Jews,” but he plans to sing those words in his Tel Aviv show. He expressed amusement at social media backlash, noting he blocks “the nasty people.” George concluded by saying he loves being in Israel and intends to make “We Will Dance Again” the highlight of his upcoming concerts.