Radiohead Members Publicly Split Over Israel Performances and Boycott Pressure

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has declared he will never perform in Israel again. His bandmate Jonny Greenwood has publicly disagreed with this stance. The rare public split emerged in a new interview with The Sunday Times.

The disagreement centers on the band’s controversial 2017 concert in Tel Aviv and the ongoing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Yorke described feeling “horrified” after the 2017 show, while Greenwood argued that cultural boycotts can be counterproductive.

Yorke’s Stance: A Firm Rejection of the Netanyahu Regime

Thom Yorke was unequivocal about his future intentions. He stated he would “absolutely not” perform in Israel again. He expressed a strong desire to distance himself from the current Israeli government.

Yorke recalled a pivotal moment from the 2017 tour. A man he believed was a high-level official thanked him for playing. This encounter made him feel the performance was being politically “hijacked.” He described an immediate feeling of needing to leave.

Greenwood’s Counterpoint: Family Ties and a Different Strategic View

Jonny Greenwood, who is married to an Israeli artist, politely disagreed. He argued that cultural isolation can backfire. He suggested it might empower hardline governments to act with greater impunity.

Greenwood has deep personal and professional connections to Israel. He has collaborated with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa. This provides a different perspective from within the band, highlighting the complexity of the issue for the group.

The Personal Toll of Political Pressure

The debate has taken a personal toll on Yorke. He revealed the criticism “wakes me up at night.” He feels his life’s work and intentions are being misinterpreted by pro-Palestinian supporters.

He has been directly confronted on the street and heckled on stage. Yorke argued that these public disputes distract from holding actual war criminals accountable. He called the dynamic a “purity test” that divides people who should be united.

The internal conflict within Radiohead underscores the immense pressure artists face in a polarized world. The band’s public disagreement on the Israel boycott reveals a deep and personal schism over the role of art in political conflict.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the BDS movement?

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement is a global campaign. It pressures Israel to change its policies toward Palestinians through economic and cultural means. Many artists face calls to boycott performances in Israel.

Why did Radiohead play in Israel in 2017?

The band proceeded with the Tel Aviv concert despite significant public pressure to cancel. At the time, they argued that cultural dialogue was a more positive force than isolation. The decision sparked immediate and lasting criticism.

How is Jonny Greenwood connected to Israel?

Greenwood is married to Israeli artist Sharona Katan. He has also worked extensively with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa. These personal and professional ties inform his differing viewpoint on the boycott.

Has Thom Yorke been protested before?

Yes. Yorke was heckled onstage last year by a pro-Palestinian protestor. He has also been confronted on the street in London. These incidents highlight the intense feelings surrounding the issue.

What was the band’s main reason for speaking out now?

The full band gave a rare, wide-ranging interview to The Sunday Times. The topic of their 2017 Israel performance and its aftermath was a central part of the discussion. It forced their differing opinions into public view.