Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has said he would not perform in Israel now, eight years after the band faced backlash for a 2017 concert in Tel Aviv that drew criticism from pro-Palestinian activists.
In an interview, Yorke stated, “Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” referring to Israel’s current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The conversation with members of the British band, whose chart-topping albums include OK Computer and Kid A, was conducted before this month’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Thom Yorke Regrets 2017 Israel Concert and Confrontation with Protester
Radiohead’s 2016–2018 A Moon Shaped Pool world tour included a Tel Aviv performance that sparked widespread criticism from supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Yorke, who at the time defended the band’s decision, hinted at some regret in the new interview. He recalled being “horrified” when a “clearly connected high up” Israeli figure came to their hotel to thank them for playing.
The Tel Aviv concert remains one of the most controversial moments in the band’s career and continues to follow Yorke in public appearances. During a solo performance in Australia last year, he briefly walked offstage after a pro-Palestinian protester shouted, “How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza?”
Yorke later said in a statement that the incident left him “in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity.”
Jonny Greenwood’s Position on Israel and Collaboration with Arab/Jewish Musicians
The debate over Radiohead’s connection to Israel has also involved guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who is married to Israeli artist Sharona Katan and collaborates with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa. Greenwood has faced criticism from boycott advocates but defended his work, telling the magazine he was “not ashamed of working with Arab and Jewish musicians.”
Radiohead Announces First European Tour in Seven Years
Radiohead are set to begin their first tour in seven years next month, performing 20 shows across five European cities. The tour marks the band’s long-awaited return to live performance after a period focused on solo and side projects.
