Paul McCartney to perform in Israel

London -- British rock 'n' roll icon Paul McCartney says he "can't wait" to perform in Israel next month.

The Sept. 25 concert is to take place in Tel Aviv more than four decades after Israel's government barred McCartney's former band the Beatles from performing there for fear its music might corrupt the country's youth, the BBC noted.

McCartney booked the gig after Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to England, visited the band's birthplace of Liverpool and apologized for the "misunderstanding" that transpired back in 1965.

"We can't wait to get out there and rock," McCartney said in a statement issued to the BBC.

"I've heard so many great things about Tel Aviv and Israel, but hearing is one thing and experiencing it for yourself is another. We are planning to have a great time and a great evening."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.