Controversy Surrounding Jonny Greenwood’s Performances in Israel
Greenwood’s Perspective on Criticism
Jonny Greenwood, the renowned musician from Radiohead, has found himself at the center of controversy due to his performance in Tel Aviv during the intense conflict in 2024. In a recent interview, he expressed his frustration with the polarized views on artistic expression, stating, “It’s the embodiment of the left.” He elaborated on how the left seeks traitors while the right looks for converts, lamenting that artists like himself often become the target of both sides. Greenwood is currently working on a new album in collaboration with Israeli and Middle Eastern musicians, a project he described as “progressive,” despite feeling “frightened to admit that.” He emphasized that booing at a concert does not embody bravery or progressiveness.
Yorke’s Sharp Rebuttal
Accompanying Greenwood during the interview was fellow band member Thom Yorke, who interjected with a poignant remark: “But you are whitewashing genocide, mate. And so am I, apparently, by sitting next to you on this sofa.” This exchange highlights the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by artists as they navigate the political landscape surrounding their work.
Protesting Against the Israeli Government
Greenwood also discussed his involvement in protests against the Israeli government, specifically denouncing the far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. “Look, I have been to antigovernment protests in Israel and you cannot move for all the ‘F*** Ben-Gvir’ stickers,” he noted. He explained that his personal connections to Israel, where he spends a significant amount of time with family, prevent him from rejecting collaboration with local artists due to governmental actions. “It makes no sense to me. I have no loyalty—or respect, obviously—to their government, but I have both for the artists born there,” he stated.
Reflections from Other Band Members
Other members of Radiohead, Philip Selway and Ed O’Brien, also weighed in on the discussion surrounding Israel and Palestine. O’Brien reflected on the band’s performance in Tel Aviv in 2017, suggesting, “We should have played Ramallah in the West Bank as well.” This comment underscores a growing awareness among artists regarding the complexities of performing in politically sensitive regions.
The Challenges of Artistic Integrity
Selway expressed the difficulties posed by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, stating, “What BDS are asking of us is impossible. They want us to distance ourselves from Jonny, but that would mean the end of the band, and Jonny is coming from a very principled place.” He also conveyed his confusion regarding being ostracized by artists they generally felt aligned with, highlighting the tensions within the artistic community.
Historical Context of Political Tension in Music
Colin Greenwood, Jonny’s brother and bandmate, refrained from commenting on the Middle East but recalled an incident during a Radiohead concert in Berlin on September 11, 2001. Some American audience members shouted at Yorke to address the unfolding tragedy, to which he responded, “What do you want me to say?” This moment serves as a reminder of the weight of political events on live performances and the expectations placed on artists in times of crisis.
Upcoming Tour and Future Projects
Radiohead’s interview with Jonathan Dean for The Sunday Times comes just before the band embarks on its first tour since 2018, beginning November 4 in Madrid. As they prepare to take the stage, the discussions surrounding their choices and the political implications of their music continue to resonate.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding Jonny Greenwood’s decisions to perform in Israel amid political strife reflects broader tensions within the artistic community. As musicians navigate their roles in politically charged environments, they face the challenge of balancing personal beliefs with artistic collaboration. Greenwood’s commitment to working with local artists, despite his critiques of the Israeli government, illustrates the complexities faced by artists today. As Radiohead prepares for their upcoming tour, the dialogue around their choices will likely continue to spark discussions about morality, art, and politics.
FAQs
What was the main controversy surrounding Jonny Greenwood’s performance in Tel Aviv?
The controversy arose from Greenwood’s performance in Tel Aviv during a period of intense conflict in 2024, leading to scrutiny over his artistic choices and perceived political implications.
What is Greenwood’s stance on collaborating with Israeli musicians?
Greenwood expressed that while he does not support the Israeli government, he feels a commitment to collaborate with artists from the region, emphasizing the distinction between government actions and artistic expression.
How did Thom Yorke respond to Greenwood’s comments during the interview?
Yorke made a sharp remark, suggesting that Greenwood’s actions could be perceived as “whitewashing genocide,” highlighting the moral complexities involved in their situation.
What did Ed O’Brien suggest regarding future performances in the region?
O’Brien suggested that the band should have performed in Ramallah in the West Bank as well as Tel Aviv, indicating a desire for broader engagement with the region’s musical landscape.
When does Radiohead’s tour begin?
The tour is set to begin on November 4, 2024, in Madrid, marking the band’s first tour since 2018.
