In a rare and candid political statement, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has broken his silence on the cultural boycott of Israel, revealing he would refuse to perform in the country amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The musician made his position clear during an interview with The Guardian, stating unequivocally that he "would not play Israel" when questioned about his stance. This marks a significant shift for the artist, whose band faced criticism for performing in Tel Aviv in 2017 despite calls from pro-Palestinian activists to join the cultural boycott.
A Change of Heart
Yorke's declaration represents a notable evolution in his position. When pressed about whether he would now refuse to perform in Israel, the musician responded with a simple yet definitive: "No, I would not."
The interview revealed Yorke's growing discomfort with the situation, describing the current conflict as "so horrifying" that it has fundamentally changed his perspective. His statement adds significant weight to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement within the music industry.
Industry Implications
Yorke's stance places him among a growing number of high-profile artists who have refused to perform in Israel. The movement has gained momentum since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, with several major acts cancelling scheduled appearances.
The Radiohead frontman's change of position is particularly significant given the band's previous decision to perform in Israel seven years ago, a move that drew criticism from numerous public figures including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and filmmaker Ken Loach.
Yorke's current position reflects the deepening concern among artists about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and represents a notable shift in the cultural landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
