Full Breakdown
Thom Yorke and Radiohead's Stance on Performing in Israel Amid Controversy
10/27/2025, 12:09:45 AM
Divergent Views on Israel and Boycotts
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in power. Yorke expressed his strong opposition to the Israeli government, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.” This statement comes as the band prepares for their first tour in over seven years, amidst ongoing pressure from pro-Palestinian activists and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Yorke's comments reflect a significant shift from the band's previous performances in Israel, notably their controversial 2017 concert in Tel Aviv, which faced backlash from activists urging a boycott. During that performance, Yorke felt the event was "hijacked" by political sentiments, leading him to reconsider his stance on future engagements in the country.
Internal Band Dynamics
While Yorke has taken a firm stance against performing in Israel, guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who has familial ties to the country through his Israeli wife, expressed a contrasting viewpoint. Greenwood stated, “I would argue that the government is more likely to use a boycott and say, ‘Everyone hates us – we should do exactly what we want,’ which is far more dangerous.” He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with Israeli artists, asserting that he has no loyalty to the government but respects the local artistic community.
The differing perspectives within the band have led to tensions. Drummer Philip Selway noted the impossibility of the BDS movement's demands, which call for the band to distance themselves from Greenwood. He remarked, “What BDS are asking of us is impossible. They want us to distance ourselves from Jonny, but that would mean the end of the band.”
Criticism of Activism and Cultural Boycotts
Yorke and Greenwood both criticized the aggressive tactics employed by some activists, describing them as a "low-level Arthur Miller witch hunt." Yorke articulated his frustration with the pressure to take a definitive stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that such activism often feels like an expression of impotency rather than a constructive approach to resolving the ongoing violence.
Yorke's concerns extend beyond personal attacks; he lamented that the focus on celebrity activism detracts from the real issues at hand. He stated, “The true criminals, who should be in front of the ICC, are laughing at us squabbling among ourselves in the public realm.”
Upcoming Tour and Future Prospects
Despite the controversies surrounding their stance on Israel, Radiohead is set to embark on a European tour, with performances scheduled in cities including Madrid, London, and Berlin from November 4 to December 12. The band has sold out tickets quickly, indicating a strong demand for their return to the stage.
As the band navigates these complex issues, the internal dynamics and public perceptions of their actions will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the broader tensions surrounding cultural engagement with Israel amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
