From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Defying calls to boycott, Radiohead kicks off Tel Aviv concert
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAmerican rock group Radiohead kick off their show at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park with over 50,000 fans in attendance.
Radiohead defied calls from prominent artists and BDS activists to cancel the show, saying such demands have been patronizing.
The band’s singer Thom Yorke has defended their decision to play in Israel several times in recent weeks, saying earlier this month that “playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government.”
Yorke added that “music, art and academia is about crossing borders not building them, about open minds not closed ones, about shared humanity, dialogue and freedom of expression.”
With 50,000+ sweaty, whooing fans in attendance, Radiohead starts its Tel Aviv show pic.twitter.com/chHEqhU9fM
— Judah Ari Gross (@JudahAriGross) July 19, 2017
The Times of Israel Community.