Radiohead’s Thom Yorke Says He Will No Longer Perform in Israel
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke stated today he would not perform in Israel, reversing a previous stance held during the band’s 2016-2018 tour and signaling a shift in his personal position regarding performances in the country.
Speaking to the Sunday Times magazine, Yorke said, “Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” referring to the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The interview took place prior to the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This declaration comes as the band prepares to embark on their first tour in seven years, beginning next month with shows across Europe.
Yorke’s previous position, articulated in 2017, was that “playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing the government,” and he defended performing in both Israel and the United States despite political disagreements with their respective leaders. However, he has since expressed regret over the 2017 Tel Aviv performance, stating he was “horrified” by a visit from a high-ranking Israeli official thanking the band. He also walked off stage during a solo performance in Australia last year following a pro-Palestinian heckler, later calling Netanyahu and his administration “extremists” who “need to be stopped.” The controversy surrounding Radiohead’s performances in Israel has been ongoing, with calls for boycotts from groups like the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.
Bandmate Jonny Greenwood, married to an Israeli artist, has also faced criticism for his collaborations with Israeli musicians and participated in protests in Israel calling for Netanyahu’s removal, stating he was “not ashamed of working with Arab and Jewish musicians.” This evolving stance from key members of Radiohead reflects a growing debate within the music industry regarding artistic engagement with Israel and the Palestinian territories.
No further comment was immediately available from Radiohead representatives, but the band’s upcoming tour schedule is expected to be scrutinized for any future performances in the region.
