'Where is the love?' Right here.

As the band imparted its affection for Israel and its people, the 17,000 strong crowd showered the world's top hip-hop group with their adoration.

By VIVA SARAH PRESS
Black Eyed Peas Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv June 3 The American Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas got its answer as to "Where is the Love?" on Saturday night: it was in Tel Aviv. As the band imparted its affection for Israel and its people, the 17,000 strong crowd showered the world's top hip-hop group with their adoration. "We have been here for five days, and they were the best days of our lives," rapper will.i.am told fans to booming applause. "We love Israel." Black Eyed Peas kicked off this summer's music festivities on a high-energy note. The mainly teen-aged audience danced, threw their arms in the air, and sang along with the party band for its entire 90-minute revelry at Bloomfield Stadium. The music was infectious and fun - and that's exactly what the Peas are all about. The socially conscious band once famous for its clever texts (first two albums), focused mainly on their funky hits (last two albums) - "Don't Phunk With My Heart," "My Humps," and "Shut Up," among others. The night's thought-provoking moment came when will.i.am meshed segments of the group's anthem "Where is the Love?" in an impromptu rap composed exclusively for Israel. This guy definitely has a soft spot for Israelis. Will.i.am even made a quip about considering converting to Judaism. But this band is not about setting minds running; rather it's famous for its party antics. With Fergie's sizzling R&B vocals and sexy dancing, apl.de.ap and Taboo's crazy break-dancing, and will.i.am's hyperactive rhyming, the crowd maintained its enthusiasm throughout the evening's two sets. Perhaps the only false note was struck at the end of the show when, with the audience on a jubilant high, the band signed off with "Let's Get It Started," an odd choice for a last song. Overall, the quartet must be thanked for including us on their world tour schedule as it's been a long time since an up-to-date Number One band has been to Israel. MC Karolina warmed up the crowd with a set that included her super hit, "Soliko". Guests performers during the concert included US rapper Dante Santiago and our own rapper Ilan Babylon.