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All you need is love - and a big wad of cash By Ayala Tsoref Paul McCartney's concert in Tel Aviv next month will cost its sponsors NIS 30 million - which they hope to recoup via ticket sales, with prices ranging from NIS 460-500 for standing room to NIS 1,400-1,600 for seats near the stage. By comparison, the most expensive tickets for Roger Waters of Pink Floyd two years ago cost NIS 400. Advertisement Tickets will go on sale Tuesday at midnight via the Internet site leaan.co.il. Of the NIS 30 million, about half will go directly to the singer and his agents. The remainder will pay for the former Beatle's back-up; airline tickets, hotels and food for him and his entourage; constructing the stage and setting up the lighting and sound systems; and security. The up-front costs will borne by businessman Yakir Sha'ashua, 37, who stepped in after cell phone operator Partner backed out of financing the event. Sha'ashua owns an aviation company specializing in private jet and helicopter services for VIPs, as well as a real estate company active in Britain, the United States and Russia. Partner had originally pledged only NIS 10 million - NIS 5 million for production costs and an identical sum for marketing. Sha'ashua, however, agreed to cover the entire NIS 30 million. That enabled a final contract with McCartney's agents to be signed last Friday, following five months of negotiations. This will be by far the most complex production ever undertaken by Israeli impresarios. Asked why Sha'ashua decided to invest so much in such a risky venture, a friend quoted him as saying: "I've received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make history. I wanted to see McCartney in Israel, and [the Israeli impresarios] sold me the most expensive ticket I've ever bought." However, his associates added, he expects to earn some $1 million if all 50,000 tickets are sold, which the organizers believe they will be. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Bad company Madonna draws ire for picturing John McCain near Hitler during a recent show. Raw energy An unemployed Israeli ecologist has a solution to the fuel crisis and global warming.

Read & React Gilad Shalit becomes punchline for jokes in the Gaza Strip Responses: 104 ANALYSIS / On verge of Rice visit, Israel and PA far from peace accord Responses: 28 Akiva Eldar: Let settlers who refuse evacuation in peace deal stay in Palestine Responses: 51 Israel not planning to detain activists' boats leaving Gaza Responses: 28 More Headlines 00:09 Obama: World must press Iran before Israel strikes 00:57 Abbas: No peace until all Palestinian prisoners released 18:21 Rice arrives in Israel in bid to push forward Israel-PA talks 23:03 Israel foiled the Gaza blockade-busting boat 'provocation' - but who gets the credit? 23:44 Barak puts Tel Aviv apartment up for sale for NIS 40 million 00:52 Hitler and McCain: Madonna's photo montage angers GOP presidential nominee 23:19 Can an unknown Israeli save the world from ecological disaster? 23:48 Israel to shut Gaza border crossings following Qassam strike 23:45 Gilad Shalit becomes punchline for jokes in the Gaza Strip 22:47 Mofaz slams Livni for supporting release of Palestinian prisoners 00:46 As convention kicks off, Democrats say U.S. Jews will overcome fears of Obama 20:47 Syrian FM: No headway made in negotiations with Israel 22:34 Israel Bank raises interest rate for second time in a month 22:25 Democratic Convention Notes: Meet Chinese Jewish candidate Hank Eng Previous Editions Select Day 25 aug 24 aug 22 aug 21 aug 20 aug 19 aug 18 aug 17 aug 15 aug 14 aug 13 aug 12 aug

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