Radiohead Faces Widespread Backlash Over Israel-Palestine Stance Ahead European Tour

Radiohead has faced persistent backlash from pro-Palestinian activists and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement since their 2017 concert in Tel Aviv, a situation that has intensified following Israel's assault on Gaza in 2023. Frontman Thom Yorke expressed feeling deeply affected by the criticism, describing it as a "low-level Arthur Miller witch-hunt" and rejecting calls to distance himself from guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who continues to collaborate with Israeli musicians and is married to an Israeli artist. Yorke stated that Radiohead would not perform in Israel again, citing opposition to the Netanyahu regime, while Greenwood defended his collaborations as a progressive effort despite fears of backlash. The band members emphasized the complexity and emotional toll of the situation, with Yorke highlighting the irony of internal conflicts distracting from greater issues like alleged crimes being ignored by international courts. Greenwood noted that activists have targeted them from the left, seeking traitors, and expressed frustration over being labeled and booed during performances. These comments come amid Radiohead's announcement of a European tour, their first in seven years, signaling a return despite ongoing controversies related to Israel and Palestine.