LONDON: Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has declared that he will “absolutely not” perform anywhere near Israel as long as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government remains in power — marking a bold political stance that reignites the debate over art, ethics, and activism.
In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Yorke reflected on the band’s controversial 2017 performance in Tel Aviv, admitting he regretted the decision and was “horrified” when a senior Israeli official approached the band to thank them for the concert. “I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” Yorke stated firmly, adding that the incident made him realize how their performance had been “politically hijacked.”
The comments come ahead of Radiohead’s first world tour in seven years, drawing renewed attention to the band’s earlier defiance of boycott calls by the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. At the time, Yorke defended the band’s right to perform, but his latest statement reflects a sharp turn — aligning himself with artists who view cultural boycotts as a legitimate tool of protest against state oppression.
Yorke’s stance arrives as artists worldwide face mounting scrutiny over performing in politically sensitive regions. His remarks also highlight a divide within Radiohead itself, with guitarist Jonny Greenwood maintaining that collaboration across political lines — including with Israeli and Palestinian musicians — should not be condemned.
The singer’s outspoken rejection of Netanyahu’s administration underscores the increasingly blurred boundary between music and politics. For many, Yorke’s declaration represents not just a personal reckoning but a broader cultural moment — one where artists are reclaiming their voices to take principled stands against authoritarian regimes.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.