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Thom Yorke Firmly Opposes Performing In Israel Amid Political Tensions
Thom Yorke Takes a Stand Against Performing in Israel
Thom Yorke, the voice behind Radiohead's iconic sound, has made it clear he won't be taking the stage in Israel anytime soon. In an exclusive with the Sunday Times, the "Creep" singer firmly stated his stance, emphasizing he wants to stay far from Prime Minister Netanyahu's influence.
“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” Yorke asserted, leaving no room for ambiguity. The comments were reportedly made prior to a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, so whether this truce has affected his views remains unknown.
Radiohead's Complex Relationship with Israel
The band has navigated complex political waters before. Back in 2024, Johnny Greenwood, Radiohead's lead guitarist, faced backlash from Palestinian activists for performing in Tel Aviv during a volatile period in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite criticisms, Radiohead remained steadfast in their touring choices. In 2017, they played Tel Aviv during their "A Moon Shaped Pool" tour, defying numerous boycott calls from influential cultural figures like director Ken Loach.
Yorke previously defended their decision on social media, stating, “Playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing the government. We’ve played in Israel for over 20 years through a succession of governments, some more liberal than others. As we have in America. We don’t endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump, but we still play in America.”
Controversy Over the BDS Movement
Yorke hasn't shied away from expressing his disapproval of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement aimed at Israel. He criticized the movement's assumptions regarding Radiohead's decisions, noting, “It’s deeply disrespectful to assume that we’re either being misinformed or that we’re so retarded we can’t make these decisions ourselves. I thought it was patronizing in the extreme. It’s offensive.”
As discussions around music, politics, and activism continue to intertwine, Yorke's strong opinions highlight the delicate balance artists must navigate in the public eye.
Author: Imani
