Thom Yorke strongly opposes performing in Israel again

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has stated that he will no longer perform in Israel, distancing himself from the country's government amid ongoing conflict.

In an interview conducted before the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — Yorke said he would "absolutely not" return to perform there. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he said, referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Yorke added that Jonny Greenwood, Radiohead's lead guitarist, "has roots there."

Greenwood, who is married to Israeli artiste Sharona Katan, shared a different perspective. "I politely disagree with Thom," he said. "Boycotts can make governments say, 'Everyone hates us — we should do whatever we want.' That's far more dangerous." Greenwood added that while he regrets "dragging the band into this mess," he stands by collaborating with Arab and Jewish musicians, saying, "I can't apologise for that."

Radiohead faced criticism in 2017 for performing in Tel Aviv during their A Moon Shaped Pool world tour, despite calls from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to cancel. The organisation had urged the band to avoid playing in Israel in protest of its policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Last year, Yorke made headlines when he walked off stage during a solo concert in Melbourne, Australia, after being heckled by a pro-Palestinian protester.

Radiohead is set to embark on their first tour in seven years this November, with shows across Europe. When asked if he worried about potential protests, Yorke replied, "Are you f***ing joking? They don't care about us — it's about getting something dramatic on Instagram."

Yorke also voiced opposition to Israel's participation in Eurovision, saying, "I don't think Israel should be allowed in Eurovision — but then again, I don't think Eurovision should do Eurovision. So what do I know?"

Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, but calls for its exclusion have intensified following the war in Gaza.