Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood: Art Should Transcend Political Divides Amidst Israel Tour Controversy
Jonny Greenwood, the acclaimed guitarist for Radiohead, has ignited a fresh debate by asserting that music and art should stand “above political concerns,” a statement made amidst calls for boycotts of the band’s upcoming tour due to past performances in Israel. This declaration comes as the band prepares for their first shows in seven years, reigniting discussions around artists’ political stances and their professional engagements.
The controversy stems from Radiohead’s 2017 performance in Tel Aviv, which has been cited by pro-Palestine activists advocating for boycotts ahead of the band’s 2025 European and UK tour. Greenwood’s personal connection to the region, through his marriage to Israeli artist Sharona Katan—whose nephew was tragically killed while serving in the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza war—adds another layer of complexity to the discussion. Last year, planned performances with Israeli singer Dudu Tassa in the UK were canceled due to the threat of protests, highlighting the palpable tension surrounding these issues.
| KEY ASPECT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Greenwood’s Stance | Music and art should be “above and beyond political concerns.” |
| Boycott Calls | Pro-Palestine activists cite Radiohead’s 2017 Tel Aviv concert. |
| Personal Connection | Married to Israeli artist Sharona Katan; her nephew killed in Gaza war. |
| Collaborative Work | Released 2023 album ‘Jarak Qaribak’ with Israeli, Iraqi, Egyptian, and Syrian musicians. |
| Thom Yorke’s View | Branded Netanyahu an “extremist”; stated he “absolutely not” perform in Israel now. |
| Radiohead’s Future | Uncertainty on new album; tour planning requires significant lead time. |
| Greenwood’s Recognition | Nominated for Oscar for Best Original Score for ‘One Battle After Another’. |
What Did Jonny Greenwood Say About Music and Politics?
In an interview with The Times, the 54-year-old musician articulated his perspective, stating, “It’s very hard to talk about this, but I think music and art should be above and beyond political concerns.” He elaborated by referencing his 2023 album, Jarak Qaribak, which featured collaborations with “Israeli, Iraqi, Egyptian and Syrian musicians.” Greenwood emphasized, “If I’m supposed to stop working with musicians because I dislike their governments then I wouldn’t work with any of them.” He lamented that the core message—that musicians are defined by their art, not their nationalities—often gets lost in the noise.
How Do Greenwood’s Views Compare to Thom Yorke’s?
Greenwood’s bandmate, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, has expressed a more direct political stance. In May of last year, Yorke issued an extensive eight-page statement on the war in Gaza, openly labeling Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu an “extremist” who “needs to be stopped.” This statement followed an incident during a solo gig in Melbourne where Yorke was heckled about the death toll in Gaza, leading him to briefly leave the stage. Yorke later reflected on the moment, expressing shock that his “supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity.” Furthermore, in October 2025, Yorke unequivocally told The Sunday Times that he would “absolutely not” perform in Israel, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” while acknowledging Greenwood’s personal ties to the region.
What is the Future of Radiohead and Greenwood’s Other Projects?
Regarding the prospect of a new Radiohead album, Greenwood admitted he had “no idea” if one would materialize soon. He expressed surprise that their recent tour even happened, given the extensive planning required for booking venues. “To do another we would have to decide now, and even then it wouldn’t happen for 18 months,” he noted. Beyond Radiohead, Greenwood continues to receive significant acclaim for his film scores. He is currently nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score at next month’s Academy Awards for his work on Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Final Verdict
The divergent views within Radiohead on engaging with political issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlight the complex challenges artists face in a globally connected and politically charged world. While Greenwood champions the idea of art transcending national boundaries and political strife, Yorke takes a more confrontational stance against specific political regimes. This internal dynamic, coupled with external pressures, continues to shape the public perception and touring decisions of one of the world’s most influential bands. Fans and critics alike are left to ponder the role of artists as both cultural figures and political commentators, and how these roles intersect in their creative and public lives.
