BDS calls for the boycott of Radiohead’s 2025 tour

Summary:

Radiohead have announced their first live shows in seven years

Fans had already speculated about new Radiohead activities after spotting a new legal entity, which usually indicates upcoming developments.

Tickets would also include a £1 levy, which would go to the charity group, Médecins Sans Frontières.

However, Radiohead’s lack of comment on the Israel–Palestine conflict has faced criticism, prompting the BDC to call for a concert boycott.

In fact, the band has a history of weaving political themes into their music, notably on their album Kid A.

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POLITICAL

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), linked to the BDS movement, is calling for a boycott of Radiohead’s tour unless Jonny Greenwood distances himself from performances in Tel Aviv during the Gaza war.

The backlash shows a heightened political scrutiny artists face when engaging with contentious regions or figures, potentially affecting brand image and venue security.

ECONOMICAL

Radiohead’s use of a pre-registration system aimed at minimizing bots and scalpers, with priority given to local attendees, is both consumer-friendly and protective of revenue integrity.

Each ticket in the UK includes a £1 donation to Live Trust, while tickets in Europe include €1 to Médecins Sans Frontières, enhancing goodwill and perhaps boosting sales.

The tour marks their first live shows since 2018, yet no new album has been confirmed, generating even more hype something is announced at a concert

SOCIAL

Long-time fans are highly excited about the comeback, but some segments may be deterred by political controversy.

Activists condemn the band’s perceived silence as complicity. Although Thom Yorke and Ed O’Brien have issued individual statements, the absence of a unified stance is striking, given Radiohead’s history of outspoken criticism such as their opposition to Tony Blair and the Israeli war.

More social unrest may occur because of the concerts, as this wouldn’t be the first time their stance on the war has garnered threats towards them.

TECHNOLOGICAL

The pre-registration system shows innovative use of digital platforms to ensure fair ticket distribution.

LEGAL

Pre-registration and allocation systems must comply with consumer protection laws across multiple European jurisdictions.

With boycott campaigns and credible threats possibly emerging (as seen previously in venue cancellations), ensuring safety through legal compliance and provable diligence is critical.

On a related note, Jonny Greenwood has previously been forced to cancel shows after receiving threats over his collaboration with Dudu Tassa, an Israeli musician.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Tickets are online, saving paper.