GEFFEN, AVIV

GEFFEN, AVIV (1973– ), Israeli rock singer, songwriter. Geffen is a unique phenomenon on the Israeli rock scene. He was the first artist to create a following among Israeli youth that bordered on hysteria. He was also one of the first to develop a highly successful career based on protest and uncompromising social comment. As a conscientious objector he controversially refused to serve in the Israeli army.

As the son of writer, lyricist, satirist Yehonatan Geffen, the young Geffen was exposed to the music and entertainment industry as a child. He recorded his first single, "Ḥaver" ("Friend"), when he was just 17. Although the song did not meet with success Geffen immediately set about recording his debut album, Zeh Rak Or ha-Yare'aḥ ("It's Only the Moonlight") with his band Ha-Ta'uyyot ("The Mistakes"). He began to tour the country intensively and gradually built up a faithful and enthusiastic following, particularly among teenagers. His lyrics largely addressed burning issues of the day, such as the Middle East conflict, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and parent-child relationships.

Other artists began discovering Geffen's songwriting talents, and popular singers such as Nurit Galron and Dafna Armoni recorded his material. Geffen received the ultimate accolade for a young Israeli songwriter when iconic singer Arik *Einstein recorded his song "Livkot Lekha" ("Crying For You").

Geffen's second album, Akhshav Me'unnan ("It's Cloudy Now"), released in 1993, sold well and reflected Geffen's musical influences from the 1960s, including the likes of the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Geffen was now a superstar and played to a hysterical audience at that year's Arad Festival. His one-of-a-kind image was also enhanced by the use of heavy make-up on stage. In particular, Geffen's mid-song shout of the song title "Anaḥenu Dor Mezuyan," which translates "we're a screwed-up generation," got a wild response from the festival audience and aroused the ire of the country's educators.

In 1995 Geffen found himself drawn into mainstream Israeli culture when he was the last artist to perform at the peace rally at which Prime Minister Yitzhak *Rabin was assassinated. Eight days later, in the same place, he performed "Livkot Lekha," which became something of an anthem for Israeli youth. In subsequent years Geffen toned down his stage persona and devoted much of his time to developing an international career. In November 2003 he released a single entitled "Hello" together with British artist Steven Wilson and the duo's album, Blackfield, came out the following year.

[Barry Davis (2^nd ed.)]