**Title:** Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood Criticizes Censorship After Show Cancellations
**Meta Description:** Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead speaks out against censorship after his shows with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa were canceled due to threats.
**URL Slug:** radiohead-jonny-greenwood-censorship-show-cancellations
**Headline:** Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead Speaks Out Against Censorship Following Canceled Shows
Jonny Greenwood, the guitarist and keyboardist of the renowned rock band Radiohead, has voiced his concerns over “censorship” and “intimidation” after two of his upcoming performances with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa were canceled due to “credible threats.” The shows were scheduled to take place in June at Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall and London’s Hackney Church.
On Tuesday, the venues announced the cancellation, stating it was “not safe to proceed.” Greenwood, who has collaborated with Tassa for over a decade and released the album “Jarak Qaribak” with him in 2023, expressed disappointment over the situation. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi), part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, welcomed the cancellations, arguing that the performances would have “whitewashed” the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a joint statement with Tassa and their band members, Greenwood acknowledged the threats faced by the venues and their staff, emphasizing that promoters should not be responsible for the safety of artists and audiences. The statement read, “The cancellation will be hailed as a victory by the campaigners behind it, but we see nothing to celebrate and don’t find that anything positive has been achieved.”
The musicians further stated, “Forcing artists not to perform and denying audiences the chance to hear them is a clear form of censorship and silencing.” They believe that art transcends politics and should foster connections among musicians across borders in the Middle East, advocating for the freedom of expression regardless of nationality or religion.
The planned show was set to feature artists from Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Iraq, united by their love for Arabic music, regardless of their origins. Greenwood’s statement highlighted the peculiar position they find themselves in, facing criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. He noted that some on the right disapprove of their music for being “too inclusive” and aware of the region’s rich cultural diversity.
In conclusion, Greenwood’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenges artists face in navigating political tensions while striving to connect through their music. The situation raises important questions about freedom of expression and the role of art in times of conflict.
**FAQ:**
**Q: Why were Jonny Greenwood’s shows with Dudu Tassa canceled?**
A: The shows were canceled due to credible threats that made the venues deem it unsafe to proceed, leading to concerns about the safety of the artists and audience.