The Boss received’t do it.
Taylor Swift can’t shake it off.
Beyonce? Queen Bey has different royal issues to take care of.
Musicians have gone just about silent on the Israeli hostages held in Gaza for greater than 680 days. We’re extra more likely to hear pro-Palestinian chants at a music pageant that pleads for his or her return.
Even singers who politicize their concert events, like Trump critics Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam, keep away from the topic.
Not John Ondrasik.
I’m Honored to collaborate with present hostage Alon Ohel’s mom Idit, brother Ronen, household and associates with this new model of “Superman” to assist Alon, all of the hostages, and their households.
Could all of them “Discover a option to Fly – To a house I’ll quickly see” ️ … pic.twitter.com/MymL79U3ZG
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) April 14, 2025
The singer/songwriter, identified by his skilled title 5 for Preventing, has been one of the vital vocal artists on the topic. He introduced that ethical readability to the Arvada Heart on Tuesday with out alienating anybody within the outside venue.
No small feat.
Ondrasik sang his greatest hits, together with “Superman (It’s Not Straightforward”) and “100 Years,” sharing candy, private tales alongside the best way. He bounced from his piano to the entrance of the stage, nonetheless letting guitar virtuoso Pete Thorn have the occasional, and well-deserved, highlight.
The veteran musician combined in two traditional rock hits, Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for good measure. Channeling Freddie Mercury is a idiot’s errand for some, given the late singer’s notorious octave vary.
Ondrasik made it look … simple.
He thanked the U.S. Army throughout one break within the set and wore a Gary Sinise Basis T-shirt, one other nod to those that salute the Armed Forces.
Later, he introduced up the continuing hostage disaster, sharing the heartbreaking story of a yellow piano ready to be performed in Tel Aviv.
Classically educated pianist Alon Ohel is amongst these nonetheless trapped by Hamas. His household has introduced the same yellow piano to different cities, like Philadelphia, New York, Berlin and Paris, to encourage others to play it and remind the world of his plight.
The pianos all learn, “You Are Not Alone.”
Ondrasik spoke of taking part in the Tel Aviv piano and dreaming of the day when he’d be joined by a freed Ohel.
Easy. Haunting. Unifying. The second didn’t cease the live performance or distract from the expertise. It made the night time richer, extra significant.
Vertical Horizon opened the live performance, giving copious because of followers for sticking by them since their ‘90s breakthrough. They couldn’t resist just a few self-deprecating digs at their age, however the songs proved timeless.
The band wrapped with “Every part You Need,” and abruptly this oh, so 2025 night time felt just like the ‘90s yet again.
NOTE: Try HiT’s interview with Ondrasik on his music profession, serving to the hostages and extra.