Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa UK Shows Canceled Amid BDS Movement Protests

Amid protests from the BDS movement, Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa's UK shows have been canceled, raising significant concerns over artistic events in contentious political climates.

Cancellation of UK Shows

Jonny Greenwood, the renowned guitarist of Radiohead, recently faced canceled performances alongside Israeli musician Dudu Tassa in the UK due to protests from the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. This decision follows Greenwood's previous shows with Tassa in Tel Aviv over the past two years, with the latest performance occurring in March.

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), a key player in the BDS movement, labeled these events as “artwashing genocide.” They asserted that the concerts would have downplayed the ongoing situation in Gaza, where approximately 2.3 million Palestinians face dire circumstances.

Scheduled for June 23 in Bristol at the Beacon and June 25 in London at Hackney Church, both events have now been officially canceled.

Responses from PACBI

In light of the canceled Bristol show, PACBI took to social media, expressing that “Palestinians welcome the cancellation” and emphasizing that the concert would have ignored the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

“Palestinians welcome the cancellation of Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa’s concert, which was due to take place in Bristol, UK on the 23rd June and would have whitewashed Israel’s genocide against 2.3m Palestinians in Gaza and underlying settler-colonial apartheid regime.”

— PACBI – BDS movement

On May 2, PACBI announced the cancellation of the Hackney Church show, reinforcing their call for all venues to reject events that they deem complicit in “artwashing genocide.”

“UPDATE: Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa's show at Hackney Church has also been cancelled. Palestinians welcome the cancellation of both of their UK shows.”

— PACBI – BDS movement

Silence from Greenwood and Tassa

Neither Greenwood nor Tassa has publicly commented on the cancellation of their shows. However, it’s worth noting that Greenwood’s wife, Israeli artist Sharona Katan, has familial connections to the ongoing conflict, with a nephew having served in the Israeli Defense Forces.

In previous statements, Greenwood has voiced the importance of collaboration between Arab and Jewish musicians, citing his long-standing partnership with Tassa since 2008. He stressed that while art may not be the ultimate solution to conflict, inaction is not a viable option either.

Controversy Surrounding the Shows

Greenwood expressed his views on the need for artistic representation and cultural exchange, stating:

“I think an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians is worthwhile... No art is as ‘important’ as stopping all the death and suffering around us. How can it be?”

In the context of the ongoing political tensions, PACBI criticized Greenwood for performing in Israel while ignoring the humanitarian crisis occurring in Gaza. They argued that no progressive music fan could accept such complicity in violence.

Collaborative Album and Previous Outcry

The duo released the album *Jarak Qaribak* in 2023, featuring traditional Middle Eastern love songs and collaborative efforts with various musicians. However, Greenwood and Radiohead have faced backlash from activists regarding their performances in Israel, particularly their controversial show in 2017.

Fans and activists alike have previously urged the band to reconsider their decisions amid the ongoing cultural boycott against Israel.

Artist Reactions and Calls for Peace

The conversation surrounding Greenwood extends beyond his own statements. Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien called for a ceasefire in Gaza, sharing his sentiments on social media about the urgency for peace.

In a recent performance, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke confronted a heckler during a solo show, highlighting the tension surrounding political expressions at musical events.

As the situation evolves, the discourse surrounding artistic expression in politically sensitive climates remains critical.

FAQs

• What led to the cancellation of the shows?
  The shows were canceled amid protests from the BDS movement, which argued that the performances would downplay the suffering of Palestinians.
• Who is Dudu Tassa?
  Dudu Tassa is an Israeli musician known for his collaborations with Jonny Greenwood and for blending traditional Middle Eastern music with modern styles.
• What does PACBI stand for?
  PACBI stands for the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, which advocates for cultural and academic boycotts against Israel.
• What is the significance of the album *Jarak Qaribak*?
  The album features traditional love songs and represents a cultural collaboration between Arab and Jewish musicians, emphasizing the importance of artistic exchange.
• What has been the public response to Greenwood’s performances in Israel?
  Greenwood has faced criticism from activists who view his performances as complicit in the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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