Jonny Greenwood, Dudu Tassa Criticize Censorship After UK Concert Cancellations

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and Israeli musician Dudu Tassa condemned the cancellation of their UK concerts in London and Bristol, stating the shows were called off due to credible threats received by venues and staff amid campaigns by pro-Palestinian and BDS activists. The musicians criticized organizers who claimed the cancellations were not censorship, arguing that preventing artists from performing and audiences from attending is a clear form of silencing. They lamented that such intimidation tactics do not contribute to peace or justice in the Middle East and saw nothing positive in the cancellations, which boycott campaigners celebrated as a victory. Greenwood and Tassa emphasized their project’s multicultural nature, featuring musicians from across the Middle East, and argued that art should transcend politics rather than be suppressed by it. They also expressed concern about the cancellation being politicized by both reactionary and progressive groups, stressing that artists should have the freedom to perform regardless of their backgrounds or political climates. The duo referenced the wider debate about artistic freedom, noting inconsistencies in support for free expression depending on political context.