Radiohead under pressure to shun Israel gig
DAMMAM: Artists including Roger Waters have urged Radiohead to heed Palestinian activists’ calls to shun Israel.
The experimental rock icons are scheduled to close a tour on July 19 in Tel Aviv, but a number of activists and artists, including Nobel Prize- winning anti- apartheid icon Desmond Tutu, novelist Alice Walker and Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters have urged Radiohead to heed Palestinian activists’ calls.
A campaign has been urging the band to scrap the show in Israel.
An open letter, signed by dozens of other artists and public figures, reminded Radiohead that “Palestinians have appealed to you to take one small step to help pressure Israel to end its viola- tion of basic rights and international law.”
The letter said: “Please do what artists did in South Africa’s era of oppression: stay away, until apartheid is over,” according to Aljazeera.
However, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke called the boycott effort divisive, patronizing and “an extraordinary waste of energy.”
He said the campaign sowed divisions that fueled right- wing leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May.
“All of this creates divisive energy. You’re not bringing people together. You’re not encouraging dialogue or a sense of understanding,” Yorke told Rolling Stone magazine.
The campaign urging the band to boycott Israel has gained support from the Twitterati.
Jews Sans Frontieres which tweets @jewssf said: “Is it true that the fee for playing for the racist war criminals of #Israel is higher than for other gigs of similar size?
It further said: “Im just trying to establish if you’re morally corrupt or ideologically racist. So do you get more money for playing Israel? #BDS”
Vicki Magee (@joycob) tweeted: “Disgusted that radiohead would play in apartheid state. Would not cross the road to see them now.”
EdSraca (@ArsenaultEdgar) wrote: “Shame Radiohead! Disappointing, stand up to defend Palestinians rights! Your music Is dead!”
The British band has played concerts to support Tibetan rights, Amnesty International and the battle against climate change.