What's Happening?
Radiohead has announced their first tour dates since 2018, with shows scheduled across Europe in cities like London, Copenhagen, Madrid, Berlin, and Bologna. The band will perform four-night residencies in each city, with the tour set to begin in November. This announcement comes amid calls for a boycott from pro-Palestine campaigners, who are urging fans to avoid the concerts until the band distances itself from guitarist Jonny Greenwood's past performances in Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict. The band has implemented a pre-registration system for ticket sales to reduce competition from bots and touts, and a portion of ticket sales will support charitable causes.
Why It's Important?
Radiohead's return to touring is a major event for fans, marking the end of a seven-year hiatus. However, the tour is overshadowed by political controversy, highlighting the ongoing tensions between artists and activists over performances in politically sensitive regions. The boycott calls reflect broader debates about cultural boycotts and the responsibilities of artists in global conflicts. The band's decision to allocate ticket proceeds to charitable causes may be seen as an attempt to address some of these concerns. The situation underscores the complex interplay between music, politics, and activism, and how artists navigate these challenges.
