Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker is preparing to return to live performances after a 14-year hiatus. His upcoming concert, titled "عودة الغايب" (The Return of the Absent), is scheduled to take place on October 22 at the Abu Bakr Salem theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season. This will be his first live performance since his retirement from music in 2012.
Shaker's return to the stage comes after a series of events that led to his disappearance from the public eye. In 2012, he announced his retirement from music and became associated with Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, a figure who emerged in Saida with anti-Hezbollah and anti-Syrian regime rhetoric. In 2013, clashes broke out between the Lebanese army and al-Assir's supporters in the town of Aabra, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and militants.
Following the clashes, Shaker went into hiding in the Ein al-Hilweh refugee camp, where he remained for over 12 years. During this time, he was the subject of several lawsuits and was eventually taken into custody by Lebanese military intelligence in October 2025. He was released on bail in July 2026, and his travel ban was lifted, allowing him to leave Lebanon.
Shaker's upcoming concert in Riyadh is seen as a significant development in his return to the music scene. The event is being promoted by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, which has been instrumental in organizing cultural and entertainment events in the kingdom. The concert is expected to mark a new chapter in Shaker's career, which has been on hold for over a decade.
Despite his return to music, Shaker's legal issues are far from over. He still faces several lawsuits related to his alleged involvement in the clashes in Aabra. While some have expressed concerns about his return to the stage, others see it as an opportunity for him to move forward and focus on his music.
Shaker's preparations for his concert have been underway for some time. In 2025, a documentary titled "يا غايب" (Oh Absent One) was released on the Saudi-owned streaming platform Shahid, in which Shaker shared his side of the story and denied involvement in the fighting. Additionally, he has been working with Saudi production company Benchmark to release new music.
The concert on October 22 will mark a significant milestone in Shaker's career, as he returns to live performances after a 14-year absence. While there are still many questions surrounding his past, his return to the stage is seen as a positive step forward for the Lebanese singer.
Key points
- Fadl Shaker to perform in Riyadh on October 22, marking his return to live concerts after a 14-year absence.
- Shaker's return to music comes after his release from custody and the lifting of his travel ban.
- The concert is part of the Riyadh Season, a cultural and entertainment event organized by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
