Thom Yorke Declines to Perform in Israel, Citing Political Concerns

Thom Yorke, the frontman of the band Radiohead, has stated that he would not perform in Israel at this time, expressing his disapproval of the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Yorke emphasized, “I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.” His comments come prior to the band’s first tour in seven years and before a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Yorke’s previous performance in Israel in 2017 at Yarkon Park had sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it disregarded the plight of Palestinians facing oppression. Reflecting on that experience, he recounted a moment when a high-ranking individual approached him to express gratitude for the concert, which left him feeling disturbed. “It horrified me, truly, that the gig was being hijacked,” he noted.

When pressed about whether he would consider playing in Israel again, Yorke was unequivocal: “Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.” He acknowledged, however, that his bandmate Jonny Greenwood has ties to Israel through his wife, artist Sharona Katan.

Greenwood responded to Yorke’s statements, indicating that he would “politely disagree” with his bandmate. He expressed concerns that boycotts might actually empower the Israeli government by reinforcing a narrative of isolation. “It’s nuts. The only thing that I’m ashamed of is that I’ve dragged Thom and the others into this mess,” he said.

The band’s guitarist has faced backlash for performing in Tel Aviv last year alongside Israeli musician Dudu Tassa. The pro-Palestinian group Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) condemned the performance as “shameful art-washing” during a time of conflict. Greenwood defended his actions, arguing that his collaborations with both Arab and Jewish musicians should not be seen as problematic.

Earlier this year, Greenwood and Tassa had to cancel planned performances in Bristol and London due to “credible threats.” They stated that the venues and staff had received enough threats to deem it unsafe to proceed. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi) welcomed the cancellation, asserting that these performances would have obscured the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In their statement, Greenwood and Tassa emphasized the diverse backgrounds of their touring musicians, who share a passion for Arabic music regardless of their national origins. They condemned attempts to silence artists through boycotts, labeling such actions as a form of censorship.

This summer, BDS called for a boycott of Radiohead concerts, citing Greenwood’s past performance in Israel during the ongoing conflict. Drummer Philip Selway commented that BDS’s demands were unrealistic, stating, “They want us to distance ourselves from Jonny, but that would mean the end of the band.” He noted that Greenwood comes from a principled standpoint, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

Guitarist Ed O’Brien, who supports the Free Palestine movement, reflected on the band’s past performance in Tel Aviv, suggesting they should have also played in Ramallah.

Looking ahead, Radiohead plans to embark on a tour with 20 shows across five European cities, including performances at London’s O2 Arena on November 21, 22, 24, and 25, 2023. The discussions surrounding the band’s stance on political issues continue to resonate deeply with fans and activists alike, highlighting the intricate relationship between art, politics, and social responsibility.