Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead has expressed his concerns regarding the recent cancellation of two performances with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa, due to credible safety threats directed at the venues in London and Bristol. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with Greenwood stating that he and Tassa “dread the weaponisation of this cancellation by reactionary figures as much as we lament its celebration by some progressives.”
In their joint statement, Greenwood and Tassa noted that it was deemed unsafe to proceed with the concerts, which were scheduled for June in support of their album Jarak Qaribak, translating to “Your Neighbour Is Your Friend.” This album features Arabic love songs recorded in various locations, including Tel Aviv and across the Middle East.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), a key member of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, welcomed the cancellation of these performances, denouncing the planned events as "artwashing genocide." This has led to criticisms from Greenwood and Tassa, who accused the BDS campaign of adopting contradictory positions. They cited the campaign's assertion that the incident is not censorship, stating, “Forcing musicians not to perform and denying people who want to hear them an opportunity to do so is self-evidently a method of censorship and silencing.”
Highlighting the cultural diversity of the performers, which includes artists from Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Iraq, Greenwood and Tassa commented on the contradiction seen in the demands for venues to commit to ethical cultural programming, while simultaneously excluding certain cultural combinations. They remarked on the difficult political landscape, noting that for some on the right, their music is seen as “too inclusive,” while others on the left view it as a means of “absolving ourselves of our collective sins.”
The duo expressed a desire to challenge the narrative surrounding their performances, referencing recent support from the music industry for Irish rap trio Kneecap amid censorship fears. They asserted that while they do not wish to pass judgment on Kneecap, it is disheartening that those who champion freedom of expression for them are often the same individuals seeking to restrict Greenwood and Tassa’s artistic expression.
They praised their fellow performers for their courage and commitment to the tour. “Their artistic achievements are toweringly important,” they stated, expressing hope that they would one day perform their music together. They emphasised that such an event would celebrate a shared love of music rather than align with any political or religious cause.
In previous interactions with PACBI, Greenwood faced criticism for his 2024 performance in Tel Aviv. At that time, he argued that artistic collaboration between Arab and Jewish musicians serves as a significant cultural bridge, challenging calls for the silence of Israeli artists as “unprogressive.” He also noted his personal connections to the Israeli context, referencing the loss of a family member during military service.
Radiohead’s relationship with Israel has been longstanding, with their debut single, “Creep,” gaining significant airplay in Israel in the early 1990s, despite initial struggles in other markets. The band's continued performances in Israel have drawn protests and criticism from activists and fans, reflecting the broader tensions within the cultural landscape regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Source: Noah Wire Services