Thom Yorke Declares He Will Not Perform in Israel Again
Radiohead’s lead singer, Thom Yorke, has announced he will “absolutely not” perform in Israel again, a statement made during an interview with The Sunday Times. This declaration comes after the band faced significant criticism for their 2017 concert in Tel Aviv. Yorke’s comments were made prior to the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Yorke expressed his strong feelings about the Israeli government, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.” His remarks also referenced fellow band member Jonny Greenwood, who has personal ties to the region. Greenwood, while disagreeing with Yorke’s stance, emphasized the complexities surrounding the issue. He remarked, “I would argue that the government is more likely to use a boycott and say, ‘Everyone hates us — we should do exactly what we want.’ Which is far more dangerous.”
The band came under fire in 2017 during their “A Moon Shaped Pool” world tour when the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement urged them to reconsider their performance in Israel due to the country’s actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This controversy has lingered, affecting the band’s public image and Yorke’s personal views on future performances in the country.
In a previous incident last year, Yorke faced a pro-Palestinian protester during a solo concert in Melbourne, Australia. Frustrated by the heckling, he left the stage, indicating the tension surrounding his performances. As Radiohead prepares for their first tour in seven years, scheduled to take place across Europe in November and December, Yorke was asked if he was concerned about potential protests. His response was candid: “Are you f**king joking?”
Yorke also commented on the controversial issue of Israel‘s participation in the Eurovision song contest, suggesting that he does not believe the country should take part. Yet, he added with a hint of irony, “But I don’t think Eurovision should do Eurovision. So what do I know?”
Eurovision is an annual international music competition that has included Israel since 1973. Calls for the nation’s exclusion have grown louder amid ongoing conflicts, particularly the recent escalation in Gaza.
As Radiohead navigates a landscape filled with political implications tied to their music, the band members continue to express their individual views on the matter while attempting to maintain their artistic integrity. The differing opinions within the group highlight the complexity of engaging with sensitive political issues through art.
