Thom Yorke, the lead singer of Radiohead, paused his concert after a dispute with a Palestine supporter in the audience. The incident occurred during the band’s performance at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California.
According to reports, an audience member shouted for Yorke to “condemn the Israeli genocide of Gaza” during the concert. This prompted the singer to stop the show and address the individual directly.
“Don’t stand there like a coward, come here and say it,” Yorke said to the audience member. He then proceeded to explain that he and the band do not support any form of violence and that they are not political figures.
Yorke also expressed his frustration with being put in a position to make political statements, stating that it is not his place to do so. He emphasized that the band’s music is about bringing people together, not dividing them.
The incident sparked a debate among fans and on social media, with some praising Yorke for standing up for his beliefs and others criticizing him for not taking a stance on the issue.
This is not the first time Yorke and Radiohead have faced controversy over their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2017, the band faced backlash for performing in Tel Aviv, with some artists and activists calling for a boycott of the show.
Yorke responded to the criticism by stating that the band’s decision to perform in Israel was not a political statement, but rather a way to connect with their fans in the region.
The incident at the Berkeley concert highlights the ongoing tension and debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of artists in addressing political issues.
Despite the disruption, the concert continued and Yorke and the band delivered a powerful performance to their fans. It serves as a reminder that music has the power to bring people together, even in the midst of controversy and differing opinions.