Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood Insists Music Must Rise Above Political Concerns
Radiohead guitarist and film composer Jonny Greenwood has publicly addressed calls to boycott the band's recent tour due to their connections with Israel, firmly stating his belief that music should exist "above" political issues. The British rock musician, known for his work with the iconic band and as an Oscar-nominated composer, articulated this position in a candid interview with The Times, highlighting the complexities artists face in a politically charged world.
Background of the Controversy and Tour Protests
The controversy stems from Radiohead's 2017 performance in Tel Aviv, which pro-Palestine activists cited in their protests ahead of the band's 2025 European and UK tour—their first live shows in seven years. Greenwood's personal life adds another layer, as he is married to Israeli artist Sharona Katan, whose nephew served in the Israel Defense Forces and was killed in the Gaza war. Last year, Greenwood faced direct consequences when planned performances with Israeli singer Dudu Tassa in the UK were cancelled due to protest threats.
"It's very hard to talk about this," Greenwood, 54, admitted. "But I think music and art should be above and beyond political concerns." He referenced his 2023 album Jarak Qaribak, which involved collaborations with musicians from Israel, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria. "If I'm supposed to stop working with musicians because I dislike their governments, then I wouldn't work with any of them," he argued, emphasizing that nationality should not define artistic partnerships.
Bandmate Thom Yorke's Contrasting Stance on Israel
Greenwood's comments come in contrast to those of his Radiohead bandmate, frontman Thom Yorke, who issued an eight-page statement in May last year on the war in Gaza. In it, Yorke branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "extremist" who "needs to be stopped." This followed an incident where Yorke was heckled during a solo gig in Melbourne about the Gaza death toll, prompting him to briefly leave the stage before returning to play "Karma Police."
Yorke reflected on the heckling, saying the concert "didn't really seem like the best moment to discuss the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza." He added that after the show, he "remained in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity, and I struggled to find an adequate way to respond to this and to carry on with the rest of the shows on the tour."
In October 2025, Yorke further clarified his position to The Sunday Times, stating he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel now. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime, but Jonny (Greenwood) has roots there," he said. "So I get it." This divergence highlights the nuanced perspectives within the band on political engagement.
Greenwood's Artistic Philosophy and Future Plans
Greenwood expressed frustration that his point about music transcending politics "didn't seem to get through" to critics. He reiterated, "The fact is, what defines us as musicians isn't our nationalities." This philosophy underpins his approach to collaborations, seeking to foster cross-cultural dialogue through art despite geopolitical tensions.
Regarding Radiohead's future, Greenwood revealed he has "no idea" if the band will work on a new album soon. "I'm surprised that the tour actually happened and that we all enjoyed it so much," he said. "But venues get booked so far in advance. To do another we would have to decide now, and even then it wouldn't happen for 18 months." This uncertainty leaves fans speculating about potential new music from the legendary group.
Oscar Nomination and Professional Achievements
Beyond Radiohead, Greenwood continues to excel in his solo career. He is nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score at next month's Academy Awards, for his music composed for Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, 15 March at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, marking a significant milestone in Greenwood's acclaimed film composition work.
This blend of personal conviction, artistic collaboration, and professional success underscores Greenwood's commitment to keeping music separate from political divisions, even as debates around cultural boycotts intensify globally.
