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Yorke Rules Out Israel Shows Under Netanyahu as Greenwood Defends Collaborations

The comments set out divergent positions inside Radiohead just before a sold‑out European return that boycott groups plan to target.

Overview

  • Thom Yorke said he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel, citing the Netanyahu government, in an interview conducted before the recent ceasefire.
  • Jonny Greenwood "politely" disagreed, arguing boycotts can harden a government's stance, and said he is not ashamed of working with Israeli and Middle Eastern musicians.
  • Pro‑Palestinian groups including BDS and PACBI have urged fans to boycott Radiohead's upcoming concerts, criticizing the band's perceived silence and Greenwood's ties to Israeli artists.
  • Radiohead begin their first tour in seven years in November and December with sold‑out multi‑night residencies in Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin.
  • The band’s long‑running Israel controversy includes backlash over a 2017 Tel Aviv show, Yorke being heckled at a 2024 solo gig, and Greenwood and Dudu Tassa canceling UK dates this year over "credible threats."