Mike Brant: Till Body Crumbles

Mike Brant

Mike Brant: Till Body Crumbles

Mike Brant is still considered one of the most successful Israeli singers of all time, and an international Israeli legend. In his short career abroad, he recorded dozens of songs that conquered the hit parades, was featured on the front covers of hundreds of magazines, and performed for tens of thousands of fans.

Although Brant’s international career flourished, in Israel he sank initially between Arik Einstein and Yigal Bashan, between Sipurei Poogy of the Kaveret group and Sof Onat Hatapuzim of the Tammuz rock band. He never made it into the canon of Israeli music and entertainment. That said, there has never been an Israeli singer, either before or since Brant, who has attracted as much adulation after his death. Almost five decades since his tragic demise, his albums and songs continue to be sold in large numbers, both in Israel and abroad. Ultimately, in the local context, he can be said to have secured his place in the pantheon of Israeli music.

This exhibition was made possible by the donation to the Haifa City Museum of a special and rare collection belonging to Tzvika Brand, Mike’s younger brother. The collection includes thousands of rare photographs, collectibles, notes in Mike’s hand, items of clothing, and more. The amazing story and life-trajectory of Mike Brant – born Moshe Brand – is the subject of the exhibition. Starting with his childhood and significant moments in his hometown of Haifa, it traces his musical career in Israel, performing with different bands in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Eilat, while he juggled Italian and French ballads on the one hand, and American pop hits and British rock ’n roll on the other. His genuine talent and his road to superstardom was revealed one momentous evening in a Tehran nightclub. Spectacular success in Europe followed, and his albums sold in the millions. And then came the last stages of his life, ending on April 25, 1975, when, at age 28, he took his own life in Paris.

It is hard to know, even now, what happened to Mike. Perhaps the adulation and the fame were hard for him to handle. In the last months of his life he confided his difficulties and loneliness to those around him, and said that he was seeking help. Not an uncommon story: the stress of dealing with success and the limelight is well known in the music and entertainment industry, from James Dean, by way of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Janis Joplin, to more contemporary artists like Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse and Justin Bieber.

There is no doubt that the Mike Brant narrative is distinctive, impressive and tragic. This exhibition sheds light on his complex personality and tempestuous life.

The project is carried out with the assistance of the French Institute Haifa General Consulate in Haifa, the French Embassy in Israel, Haifa Cultural Foundation and Haifa Radio