{{Short description|Israeli military entertainment band}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Central Command Band | image = להקת פיקוד המרכז 69 בשיר צ'רלי צ'פלין.jpg | alt = Three women holding sticks and wearing military uniforms and top-hats are performing to a crowd of soldiers. There are posters set up in the background. A shirtless male soldier is also in the background, on the right. | caption = The Central Command Band in 1969, performing their song "<i>Charlie Chaplin</i>" | native_name = להקת פיקוד המרכז | native_name_lang = he | origin = Central District, Israel. | genre = Israeli folk, Israeli rock | years_active = 1953-1968, 1969-1975/1978, 1985-1989, 1990-present | label = Hed Arzi Music, NMC, Parlophone }} '''Lehakat Pikud Merkaz''', also known as '''Lehakat Pikud HaMerkaz''' ({{Langx|He|להקת פיקוד המרכז|4=Central Command Band|italic=yes}}), is the military musical ensemble of the Central Command of the Israel Defense Forces.
The band was initially established in 1953 after the then Central Command Commander, Tzvi Ayalon, requested that a band be formed for his command. While the troupe enjoyed success throughout its existence, it was particularly successful during the late 1960s and early 1970s, following the Six-Day War.
The troupe went through several incarnations, having been disbanded multiple times throughout its history, mostly for behavioural issues. Its repertoire includes songs that have remained part of Israeli culture, and former members of the ensemble have gone on to careers in music, entertainment, acting, and songwriting.
== History ==
=== 1953-1967: Foundation and early success === Until 1953, the regional commands of the Israel Defense Forces had small musical groups. That year, the Central Command Commander, Tzvi Ayalon, requested the establishment of a band for his command.<ref name=":0" /> Yitzhak Yitzhaky was assigned to form the ensemble, and its first director was {{Interlanguage link|Gideon Shemer|lt=Gideon Shemer|he|גדעון שמר}}, then the husband of Naomi Shemer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gavish |first=Ofer |title=גן השקמים, סיפורי שיר |trans-title=Stories of Songs: Sycamore Garden |url=https://www.gavisho.com/%D7%92%D7%9F_%D7%94%D7%A9%D7%A7%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%9D |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=עפר גביש - אירועי זמר |language=he}}</ref>{{Sfn|Tessler|2007|p=135}}
The troupe's first program, ''One of Us'', received limited attention outside the Central Command and was not widely documented.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית א' - אחד משלנו |trans-title=First Program-One of Us |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=89 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025142/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=89 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=www.army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 30th, 1954, the ensemble premiered its second program, ''One Monkey’s Paw'', a theatrical production centered on an IDF chess championship.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ב' - כ' ק' 1 |trans-title=Second Program: One Monkey's Paw |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=90 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025145/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=90 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=www.army-bands.co.il |url-status=live }}</ref> This program included the first performance of the song ''{{Interlanguage link|Sycamore Garden|lt=Sycamore Garden|he|גן השקמים}}'',<ref name=":0" /> written by Yitzhaky and composed by {{Interlanguage link|Yohanan Zarai|lt=Yohanan Zarai|he|יוחנן זראי}}. The song was not recorded by the band at the time, nor was the program released as an album; it was later recorded by Rika Zaraï, Zarai’s then-wife.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" />
The band’s subsequent programs, ''Transitional Program'' and ''Three Heroes'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ג' - תכנית מעבר |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=193 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025151/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=193 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=army-bands.co.il |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=תכנית ד' - שלושה גיבורים |trans-title=Fourth Program-Three Heroes |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=194 |website=army-bands.co.il}}</ref> were also not recorded. The fifth program, ''A Raid on the Village'', marked the first appearance of Shaike Levi, who later became a member of HaTarnegolim and HaGashash HaHiver.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ה' - פשיטה בכפר |trans-title=Fifth Program-A Raid On The Village |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=91 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241217025158/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=91 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref> This program was directed by Naomi Shemer and Gideon Shemer and received favorable coverage in the Israeli press.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1956 |title=שתי תנחת־תי חדש ת {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 15 פברואר 1956 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Two new radio shows |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1956/02/15/01/article/22 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gur |first=Giora |date=March 1956 |title=,,נ*_שיטר.בכפר" {{!}} דבר {{!}} 16 מרץ 1956 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title="A Raid On The Village" |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1956/03/16/01/article/148 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref>
In the late 1950s, the band released its first album, ''Listen, Buddy!'', which consisted of songs from earlier programs.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=MOOMA - להקת פיקוד המרכז |trans-title=MOOMA-The Central Command Band |url=http://mooma.mako.co.il/Biography.asp?ArtistId=20803 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224258/http://mooma.mako.co.il/Biography.asp?ArtistId=20803 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=mooma.mako.co.il |language=he}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=האלבום הראשון - שמע חבר - אוסף |trans-title=The first album-Listen, buddy!-Compilation |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=88 |website=www.armybands.co.il |language=he}}</ref> During the same period, the ensemble presented additional programs, including ''Laughter in the Merkaz'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ו' - צחוק במרכז |trans-title=Sixth program-Laughter in the Merkaz. |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=92 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810000736/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=92 |archive-date=2025-08-10 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Right Man at the Right Place'',<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ז' - האדם הנכון במקום הנכון |trans-title=Seventh Program-The Right Man, At The Right Place. |url=http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=93 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124085609/http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=93 |archive-date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''The Aluf on the Roof''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ח' - האלוף על הגג |trans-title=Eighth Program-The Aluf on the Roof |url=http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=94 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250124105459/http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=94 |archive-date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref> These productions received varying levels of attention, with ''The Right Man at the Right Place'' attracting positive press responses,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 1958 |year= |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 18 {{!}} 14 ינואר 1958 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1958/01/14/01/page/18 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravina |first=Menashe |date=January 1958 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז {{!}} דבר {{!}} 17 ינואר 1958 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Review of the Central Command Band's latest program: "The Right Man, at the right place." |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1958/01/17/01/article/61 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref> while ''The Aluf on the Roof'' received mixed coverage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1958 |title=האלוף ער הגג' {{!}} הצפה {{!}} 28 ספטמבר 1958 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=The Aluf on the Roof |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hzh/1958/09/28/01/article/58 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=HaTzofe |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 1958 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 12 {{!}} 14 אוקטובר 1958 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1958/10/14/01/page/12 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravina |first=Menashe |date=September 1958 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז {{!}} דבר {{!}} 19 ספטמבר 1958 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Review of the Central Command Band's latest program: "The Aluf on the Roof". |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1958/09/19/01/article/57 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref> None of these programs were released as full albums, though the song ''{{Interlanguage link|Heatwaves in the Post|lt=Heatwaves in the Post|he|חמסינים במשלט}}'' from ''The Right Man'' ''at the Right Place'' was later released as a successful single.<ref name=":8" />
The troupe entered the 1960s with its ninth program, ''It Is What It Is'', which, like the preceding program, received mixed to generally favorable coverage in the contemporary press. Criticism focused primarily on the program's perceived rushed-ness.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1960 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז - בתכניתה התשיעית {{!}} הארץ {{!}} 14 ינואר 1960 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Review of the Central Command Band's ninth program. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/haretz/1960/01/14/01/article/49 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Haaretz |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1960 |title=ככה זה... {{!}} על המשמר {{!}} 11 ינואר 1960 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=It is what it is. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/ahr/1960/01/11/01/article/27 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Al HaMishmar |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 1960 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 15 {{!}} 12 ינואר 1960 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1960/01/12/01/page/15 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1960 |title=3?ןדנ>*7ידון^1 {{!}} הבקר {{!}} 15 ינואר 1960 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title="It is what it is" by the Central Command Band. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hbkr/1960/01/15/01/article/98 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=HaBoker |language=he}}</ref> As with several earlier productions, it was not released as an album.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ט' - ככה זה |trans-title=Ninth Program-It is what it is. |url=http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=95 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250224232123/http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=95 |archive-date=2025-02-24 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref>
The band’s tenth program, ''The Lion’s Speaking Authority'', formed one side of a split album released in 1961 in collaboration with Lehakat Pikud Tzafon and issued by Hed Arzi Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית י' - רשות הדיבור לאריה |trans-title=Tenth program-The Lion's Speaking Authority |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=98 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241217025304/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=98 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref> The program introduced several changes in stage presentation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 1961 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 20 {{!}} 21 מרץ 1961 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Premiere in the Merkaz |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1961/03/21/01/page/20 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref> In 1962, the band premiered its eleventh program, ''Soldiers on the Way''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1962 |title="קרנפים" - טרגדיה או סרמדיה ו {{!}} חרות {{!}} 9 אפריל 1962 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=The Central Command Band is "on their way". |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hrt/1962/04/09/01/article/35 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |language=he}}</ref> Although the title was later used for an EP by the ensemble, the recording did not include material from that program and instead consisted of songs from the subsequent production, ''Why? Just Because!''.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית י"ב - למה כובע |trans-title=Twelfth program-Why? Just cause! |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025313/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=100 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> An additional EP featuring songs from that program was released under the title ''Fatherland Twist''.<ref name=":5" /> These productions included performers such as Oshik Levi and {{Interlanguage link|Hedva Amrani|lt=Hedva Amrani|he|חדוה עמרני}}.<ref name=":5" />
In October 1963, several members of the band recorded the HaTarnegolim song ''{{Interlanguage link|Neighborhood Song|lt=The Neighborhood Song|he|שיר השכונה}}'' under the pseudonym "The Neighborhood Band".<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 1963 |title=,, השכונה" מחקה את ,;התרנגולים " — מעריב 15 אוקטובר 1963 — הספרייה הלאומית של ישראל │ עיתונים |trans-title=The "neighborhood" has erased the "Roosters". |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1963/10/15/01/article/31 |access-date=2025-12-11 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref> The performers were soon identified as members of the Central Command Band and were subsequently disciplined.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 16, 1963 |title="להסת השכונה" - קבוצת חיילים — דבר 16 אוקטובר 1963 — הספרייה הלאומית של ישראל │ עיתונים |trans-title=The Neighborhood Band was actually a group of soldiers. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1963/10/16/01/article/68 |access-date=2025-12-11 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref>
The band’s thirteenth program, ''No Favors'', was the first of its productions to be released as a full album by Hed Arzi Music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1964 |title=חידושים בהפקת תקליטים {{!}} על המשמר {{!}} 26 נובמבר 1964 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Advancements in record productions |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/ahr/1964/11/26/01/article/71 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |language=he}}</ref> The program included a musical setting of Rachel Bluwstein's poem ''{{Interlanguage link|Kinneret (poem)|lt=Kinneret|he|כנרת (שיר)}}'', composed by Naomi Shemer. References within the program to contemporary popular styles, including the twist, prompted a formal complaint, though the critical reception of the program was generally positive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 1964 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 2 {{!}} 9 יוני 1964 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Letters from our readers |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1964/06/09/01/page/2 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he |trans-quote=Yesterday I saw the Central Command Band's new program "No Favors" and felt disgusted. How can it be that a military ensemble would allow its female soldiers to dress so lewdly and that most of the program would be in the beat of the Twist and would use songs from the foreign charts!? And I naively thought that a military band does not need to compete with the regular pop bands and that it has an educational role alongside its role of entertainment.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 20, 1964 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 18 {{!}} 20 מאי 1964 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1964/05/20/01/page/18 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref>
The following program, ''The Important Thing Is to Remain Healthy'', partially reused sketches previously performed by Batzal Yarok and was not released on vinyl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1965 |title=השאלה: מ* *המו לפסטיבל ה>_שדאל?> {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 20 יולי 1965 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=14th program of the Central Command Band |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1965/07/20/01/article/32 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית י"ד - העיקר להיות בריא |trans-title=Fourteenth Program-The Main Thing Is To Be Healthy |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=102 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025345/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=102 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> Its successor, ''At the Center of Things'', received limited public attention but was issued as an EP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ט"ו - במרכז העניינים |trans-title=Fifteenth program-At the Center of Things |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=96 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241217025349/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=96 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref>
In November 1966, the troupe was filmed by a West German television crew under circumstances that remain unclear.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 1966 |title=להקה צבאית בסרטון בטלביזיה הגרמנית {{!}} למרחב {{!}} 22 נובמבר 1966 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Military band filmed for German Television |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/lmrv/1966/11/22/01/article/75 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=LaMerhav |language=he}}</ref> The filming led to public controversy, including calls for a boycott of military ensembles and questions regarding the authorization of the production.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=December 1966 |title=תגובות חריפות על צילומי טלביזיה גרמנית במחנות צה"ל {{!}} על המשמר {{!}} 1 דצמבר 1966 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Outrage at German television coverage at IDF camps. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/ahr/1966/12/01/01/article/91 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Al Hamishmar |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1966 |title=הופעה פסולה |trans-title=Forbidden Concert |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/lmrv/1966/11/24/01/article/14 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=LaMerhav |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1966 |title=מי התיר לטלוויזיה הגרמנית לצלם במחנות צה״ל? {{!}} קול העם {{!}} 1 דצמבר 1966 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Who allowed the German television to film in IDF camps? |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/khm/1966/12/01/01/article/13 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Kol HaAm |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1967 |title=Untitled {{!}} הצפה {{!}} 18 ינואר 1967 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hzh/1967/01/18/01/article/29 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=HaTzofe |language=he}}</ref> A statement supporting the boycott was signed by several Israeli composers and songwriters, including Yoram Taharlev, Naomi Shemer, Haim Hefer, and Sasha Argov.<ref name=":13" />
=== 1967-1978: Peak of popularity and decline === The Central Command Band played a role in the cultural representation of the Six-Day War in Israeli society.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Gur |first=Golan |date=2018 |title=Military Songs as Popular Music: War, Memory, and Commemoration in the Songs of the Israeli Military Bands |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27106957 |journal=Lied und populäre Kultur / Song and Popular Culture |volume=63 |pages=93–110 |jstor=27106957 |issn=1619-0548 |quote=}}</ref> The band’s sixteenth program, and fourth album, ''Where's the Center?'', included the song ''Ammunition Hill'', written by Yoram Taharlev. The song became widely known and was associated with the public memory of the Battle of Ammunition Hill.<ref name=":1" /> The program was musically directed by Yair Rosenblum and received much acclaim and fanfare amongst the Israeli press and public.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1968 |title=אמש בבידור להקת פיקוד המרכז {{!}} הארץ {{!}} 4 פברואר 1968 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Yesterday in Entertainment: The Central Command Band |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/haretz/1968/02/04/01/article/42 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Haaretz |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1968 |title=בהצגה עוא_*נה 01131 {{!}} דבר {{!}} 12 מרץ 1968 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=At a show that wasn't the premier. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1968/03/12/01/article/43 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1968 |title=מצעד _פזמוני 20 השנים" " " מופע "קול ישראל" ביום העצמאות {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 17 ינואר 1968 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1968/01/17/01/article/103 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1968 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז {{!}} דבר {{!}} 7 פברואר 1968 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=The Central Command Band's new program |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1968/02/07/01/article/112 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref> Additional songs from the program included ''The IDF Spokesperson Has Announced'' by {{Interlanguage link|Avi Koren|he|אבי קורן}} and ''Arise and Go to Nineveh'', also by Taharlev, the latter drawing on the Book of Jonah.<ref name=":15" />
Following the program's release, some members of the troupe avoided participating in scheduled performances in northern Israel and the Sinai Peninsula. As a result, the band was temporarily disbanded by Central Command commander Rehavam Ze'evi, marking the first dissolution of the ensemble.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית ט"ז - איפה המרכז |trans-title=Sixteenth Program-Where is the Merkaz? |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=97 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025354/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=97 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> The band was reestablished the following summer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 1969 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 30 {{!}} 24 יוני 1969 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1969/06/24/01/page/30 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref>
The subsequent program, ''Join Us in the Valley'', equalled the success of their previous program and was released as an album by Parlophone/EMI.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 1969 |title=Untitled {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 27 יוני 1969 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1969/06/27/01/article/190 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 1969 |title=ערב רענן של בידור חובבני {{!}} הארץ {{!}} 26 יוני 1969 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=A Fresh Evening of Amateur Entertainment |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/haretz/1969/06/26/01/article/133 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Haaretz |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1969 |title="בת־שבע" חותרת לפיסגה {{!}} על המשמר {{!}} 3 יולי 1969 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/ahr/1969/07/03/01/article/25 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Al Hamishmar |language=he}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |title=תכנית י"ז - רד אלינו לבקעה |trans-title=Seventeenth Program-Join Us In the Valley |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=103 |language=he}}</ref> Songs from the program included ''We Are Both from the Same Village'' by Naomi Shemer, ''{{Interlanguage link|A Paratrooper's Song|lt=A Paratrooper's Song|he|שירו של צנחן}}'' by Yoram Taharlev, and ''Charlie Chaplin'', also by Taharlev. The program led to the band being named Band of the Year by Israeli Army Radio, an honor shared that year with Lehakat HaNahal, which received the same designation from Kol Yisrael.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1969 |title=I PWypn {{!}} I pfiso^ /k^e^ {{!}} 1 גלי-צהיל r J המצעד העברי L {{!}} להיטון {{!}} 26 ספטמבר 1969 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Hebrew Charts-Israeli Army Radio |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/lehiton/1969/09/26/01/article/41 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=www.nli.org.il |language=he}}</ref>
The next program, ''Near the Jordan'' (1970)'','' introduced Shlomit Aharon as a featured performer. She sang ''{{Interlanguage link|I Have A Lover In The Special Forces|lt=I Have A Lover In The Special Forces|he|יש לי אהוב בסיירת חרוב}}'', written by Haim Hefer, which was a major hit that year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1970 |title=גבר נועז בפיקוד המרכז {{!}} דבר {{!}} 3 ספטמבר 1970 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=A Brave Man In the Central Command Band |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1970/09/03/01/article/128 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref> The song referred to the then-confidential {{Interlanguage link|Haruv commando unit|lt=Haruv commando unit|he|סיירת חרוב}}. The program received acclaim comparable to that of the band’s preceding productions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1970 |title=שיח־נהגות ליד הירדן {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 7 ספטמבר 1970 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1970/09/07/01/article/137 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref>[[File:Dedication ceremony of the new monument for fallen soldiers in the battles of the Jordan Valley (FL45987127).jpg|thumb|298x298px|The troupe in 1972, at a ceremony for a memorial site for casualties of battles in the Jordan Valley. At the center of the photo is Uzi Hitman and future President of the Supreme Court of Israel Esther Hayut.|alt=A group of soldiers performing a song]] The band’s nineteenth program, ''Last Songs to Last'' (1972), consisted of a combination of previously performed material from other Central Command entertainment groups and new songs written specifically for the production.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית י"ט - שר מי ששר אחרון |trans-title=Nineteenth Program-Last Songs To Last |url=http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=105 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217214403/http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=105 |archive-date=2025-02-17 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref> The program marked the debut of Uzi Hitman as a performer.<ref name=":2" /> Songs from the program included ''{{Interlanguage link|The Man From The Valley|lt=The Man From The Valley|he|האיש מן הבקעה}}'', written by Haim Hefer. Among the members of the ensemble at this time was Esther Hayut, who did not continue in the music field after her military service and served as President of the Supreme Court of Israel from 2017 to 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 September 2017 |title=הזמרת שהפכה לשופטת הבכירה בישראל: "אסתי נועדה לזה" |trans-title=The singer who became the President of the Supreme Court of Israel: "Esti was meant for this". |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5012564,00.html |website=ynet.co.il |language=he}}</ref>
The subsequent program, ''And That’s Only the Beginning'' (1975), was the final production of the band in its original format.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 1974 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 14 {{!}} 5 יוני 1974 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1974/06/05/01/page/14 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1975 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז - זוה י רק ההתחלה {{!}} דבר {{!}} 24 פברואר 1975 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Central Command Band: "And That's Only The Beginning" |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1975/02/24/01/article/111 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Davar |language=he}}</ref> The ensemble was thereafter reduced to a smaller entertainment unit, which continued operating until 1978. This later iteration produced a single program, ''Songs of Jerusalem'', which included the song ''{{Interlanguage link|Guardian of the Walls (song)|lt=Guardian of the Walls|he|שומר החומות (שיר)}}'', written by Dan Almagor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gavish |first=Ofer |title=שומר החומות (אני עומד על החומה), סיפורי שיר |trans-title=Stories of Songs: Guardian of the Walls (I'm standing on the wall) |url=https://www.gavisho.com/%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8-%D7%94%D7%97%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%AA |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=עפר גביש - אירועי זמר |language=he}}</ref> In 1978, the Central Command Band was disbanded as part of a broader dissolution of military ensembles ordered by Rafael Eitan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manor |first=Giora |date=September 27, 1978 |title=יוזמה פסיכולוגית שר קציו־החינוך {{!}} על המשמר {{!}} 27 ספטמבר 1978 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Psychological Innovation of the Chief Education Officer. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/ahr/1978/09/27/01/article/53 |access-date=2025-12-07 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Al Hamishmar |language=he}}</ref>
=== 1984-1989: Second reformation and drug scandal === Between September 1984 and January 1985, the Central Command Band was reestablished.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=September 16, 1985 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 26 {{!}} 18 ספטמבר 1985 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1985/09/18/01/page/26 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 1985 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 5 {{!}} 16 ינואר 1985 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1985/01/16/01/page/5 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref> Its first program and accompanying album, ''At the Gates of Jericho'', achieved commercial success.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1985 |title=פיקוד מרכז - כיקוד צנון: :1ס {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 17 אוקטובר 1985 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Central Command Band: 1 Northern Command Band: 0 |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1985/10/17/01/article/205 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref> During this period, the ensemble performed at the Knesset and at a concert marking the fifth anniversary of the {{Interlanguage link|LIBI fund|lt=LIBI fund|he|קרן לב"י}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 1985 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 6 {{!}} 27 מרץ 1985 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1985/03/27/01/page/6 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1985 |title=מלב'־י באהבה: {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 3 ספטמבר 1985 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=From LIBI, with love. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1985/09/03/01/article/90 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref> Songs from the album included ''Ya Lil'' by {{Interlanguage link|Kobi Luria|he|קובי לוריא}}, ''{{Interlanguage link|Set Your Eyes To The East|lt=Set Your Eyes To The East|he|את עיניך שא מזרחה}}'' by Yoram Taharlev, and ''{{Interlanguage link|Tomorrow, He Will Return|lt=Tomorrow, He Will Return|he|מחר הוא יחזור}}'' by Danny Robas. David D'Or began his professional music career as part of this program.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=בשערייך יריחו |trans-title=At the Gates of Jericho |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=86 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he}}</ref> The album was released by CBS Israel.<ref name=":6" />
The subsequent program and album, ''The Children of'' ''<nowiki/>'67'', began recording in December 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 10, 1986 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 8 {{!}} 10 דצמבר 1986 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1986/12/10/01/page/8 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref> This production received more limited attention than its predecessor. Its most notable song was ''Play the Accordion'', written by Yoram Taharlev and recorded in collaboration with Yehoram Gaon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=ילדי 67' |trans-title=The Children of '67 |url=http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=87 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217025441/http://army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=87 |archive-date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=army-bands.co.il |language=he |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the spring of 1989, a report alleged that several members of the band had smoked hashish. Following an investigation, the individuals involved were arrested, causing moral outrage amongst the IDF's chain of command.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=April 1989 |title=נעצרו 12 מחבר• להקת פיקוד המרכז {{!}} חדשות {{!}} 7 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=12 members of the Central Command Band have been arrested |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hadashot/1989/04/07/01/article/31 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Hadashot |language=he}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=April 1989 |title=חברי להקת פיקוד מרכז נעצרו בעקבות הלשנה {{!}} חדשות {{!}} 9 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=Central Command Band members were arrested due to a whistleblower |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hadashot/1989/04/09/01/article/64 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Hadashot |language=he}}</ref> Some of those arrested were later reported to have used additional psychoactive drugs.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=April 27, 1989 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 7 {{!}} 27 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=There are also junkies |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1989/04/27/01/page/7 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref> In the aftermath of the incident, the band's future and the future of all the military ensembles were uncertain.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1989 |title=7 שברו את@*הכלים {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 10 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=(They) Broke the insturments |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1989/04/10/01/article/222 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Emmanuel |last2=Niv |first2=Yuval |date=April 1989 |title=יתכןשהלהקות הצבאיות יפורקו {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 9 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=It is possible that the military ensembles may be disbanded |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1989/04/09/01/article/124 |access-date=2025-12-07 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref> The Central Command Band was subsequently disbanded for the third time under the orders of the Education and Youth Corps. Six of the members not implicated in the scandal were reassigned to smaller performance units on a temporary basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1989 |title=להקת פיקוד המרכז תפורק {{!}} מעריב {{!}} 18 אפריל 1989 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |trans-title=The Central Command Band will be disbanded |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/mar/1989/04/18/01/article/96 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Maariv |language=he}}</ref>
=== 1990-present: Third reformation === thumb|255x255px|The modern incarnation of the band performing in 2017.|alt=Four soldiers standing in front of a projector screen In November 1990, the Central Command Band was reestablished, amid uncertainty regarding the longevity of this iteration following the circumstances surrounding its previous disbandment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 1990 |title=במחנה {{!}} עמוד 40 {{!}} 28 נובמבר 1990 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות {{!}} הספרייה הלאומית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/bamahane/1990/11/28/01/page/40 |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=Bamahane |language=he}}</ref>
In 1992, the band was temporarily disbanded again after a few of its members intentionally refused to perform at a concert.<ref name=":14" /> As a result, the members who were responsible were sent to detention.<ref name=":14" />
In parallel with other Israel Defense Forces military ensembles, the band's prominence in mainstream popular culture has declined. Its cultural presence has continued primarily through its recorded repertoire.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-14 |title=אלו שירי הלהקות הצבאיות האהובים ביותר |trans-title=These are the most beloved military ensemble songs |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/870511 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=www.israelhayom.co.il}}</ref> The song ''We Are Both from the Same Village'' has remained in regular rotation on Israeli media during Yom HaZikaron.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-04 |title=השיר המושמע ביותר ברדיו ביום הזיכרון בעשר השנים האחרונות: "מה אברך" - וואלה תרבות |url=http://e.walla.co.il/item/2741714 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=וואלה |language=he}}</ref>
== Notable members ==
* David D'Or<ref name=":6" /> * Esther Hayut<ref name=":2" /> * {{Interlanguage link|Galit Giat|lt=Galit Giat|he|גלית גיאת}}<ref name=":14" /> * Gil Dor<ref name=":2" /> * Galia Yishai<ref name=":17" /> * {{Interlanguage link|Hedva Amrani|lt=Hedva Amrani|he|חדוה עמרני}}<ref name=":5" /> * Nitza Saul<ref name=":17" /> * Oded Kotler<ref name=":16" /> * Oshik Levi<ref name=":5" /> * Shaike Levi<ref name=":4" /> * Shem Tov Levi<ref name=":17" /> * Shlomit Aharon<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.caspitweb.com |first=caspit כספית |title=תכנית י"ח - ליד הירדן |trans-title=Eighteenth Program-Near the Jordan |url=http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=104 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250426193412/http://www.army-bands.co.il/programm.asp?id=104 |archive-date=2025-04-26 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=army-bands.co.il}}</ref> * Shlomo Bar-Aba<ref name=":17" /> * Uzi Hitman<ref name=":2" />
== Discography ==
* ''Listen, Buddy!'' (1957) * ''The Lion's Speaking Authority'' (1961, with the Northern Command Band) * ''Soldiers on the Way'' (1963) * ''Fatherland Twist'' (1963) * ''No Favors'' (1964) * ''Center of Attention'' (1966) * ''Where's the Merkaz?'' (1968) * ''Join Us In The Valley'' (1969) * ''Near the Jordan'' (1970) * ''Last Songs To Last'' (1972) * ''And That's Only The Beginning'' (1975) * ''At the gates of Jericho'' (1985) * ''The Children of '67'' (1987)
== See also ==
* Music of Israel * Culture of Israel * Israeli military ensembles
== References == {{Reflist}}
=== Bibliography === * {{cite book |last=Tessler |first=Shmulik |date=2007 |title=Shirim be-madim: sipuran shel ha-lehaḳot ha-tsevaʼiyot [Songs in Uniform: The Stories of the Military Ensembles] |location=Yerushalayim |publisher=Yad Yitsḥaḳ Ben-Tsevi |isbn=978-965-217-267-9}}
== External links == {{Commons|Category:Central Command Band|Central Command Band}}
* [https://www.nli.org.il/he/discover/music/israeli-music/military-ensembles/pikud-merkaz Lehakat Pikud Merkaz] on the National Library of Israel. * [https://www.discogs.com/artist/2771652-The-Central-Command-Troupe Lehakat Pikud Merkaz] on Discogs. * [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dzlX0oEZE1n72oqOkEW9z Lehakat Pikud Merkaz] on Spotify. {{Authority control}} Category:Lehakat Pikud Merkaz Category:Israeli military bands Category:1953 establishments in Israel Category: Military units and formations established in 1953