THE Middle Eastern pop star behind what was known as the Israeli version of Imagine was in Liverpool yesterday to film the video he hopes will launch his career in the UK.

Aviv Geffen counts David Bowie, Lou Reed and Thom Yorke of Radiohead as fans, and at his biggest appearances has performed in front of 300,000 of his countrymen. He has even translated Bob Dylan into Hebrew.

His politically charged, progressive pop has made him a superstar to the country’s liberal youth but a pariah to Israeli authorities.

Geffen, 34, was on stage with Yitzhak Rabin when he was assassinated in 1995. The gunman was also aiming for the singer, who then went into exile in London.

Now, he is currently recording his English language debut album in London with producer Steve Orchard, who has also worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, U2 and Goldfrapp.

Last night, he filmed the video for his song Black and White at the old Littlewoods building on Edge Lane.

He is being represented in the UK by Atomic Kitten manager Martin O’Shea, whose production company Integral are behind the clip.

The trip to the city gave Geffen the chance to catch up with an old friend, Liverpool footballer Yossi Benayoun, also from Israel. The pair had lunch and paid a visit to the Cavern.

Geffen said: “It’s my first time here in Liverpool and I’m already looking forward to coming back on tour. Yossi showed me around a little and it is a really special spot.”

A solo artist, he has also had success collaborating in art rock band Blackfield with Steven Wilson, the frontman of British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree.

About his music, Geffen says: “I’m the same as bands like Sigur Ros, or Bjork, someone from a foreign place who is bringing fresh music, and British people like to hear that.

“In Israel, I’m like the ‘rebel’ artist, the only one who stands against his own government, I’m a real activist.

“I don’t want to be a huge celebrity, I’m really just showing a tiny image of Israel and I want to show there’s some great musicians there.”

As he readied himself for the shoot, he said the set looked “amazing”.

“It’s a love song, but there will be a huge explosion with 25 cars burning,” he laughs. “Like I didn’t have that enough in Israel.”