UK
Israeli singer’s joint gig with Radiohead guitarist cancelled following pro-Palestine backlash
Dudu Tassa was due to share the stage with Jonny Greenwood in Bristol, but the show attracted the ire of activists
May 4, 2025 09:03
Dudu Tassa was due to share the stage with Jonny Greenwood in Bristol, but the show attracted the ire of activists
May 4, 2025 09:03A joint gig featuring Israeli singer Dudu Tassa and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood has been abruptly cancelled by its Bristol venue following a wave of public pressure.
The show, which had been due to take place on June 23, had attracted the ire of local pro-Palestine campaigners given Tassa’s firm stance on collaboration between UK and Israeli artists.
The Tel-Aviv born musician had a public row with Pink Floyd co-founder, and vocal anti-Israel activist, Roger Waters after the latter criticised Radiohead for performing shows in Israel.
In an Instagram post addressed to Waters in December, he said: “Are you not tired of obsessing over the same musicians who are simply trying to bring good into the world?
"Move on. Your incredible music has already contributed and inspired an entire generation. Now, all the noise achieves nothing.”
Despite his praise of Waters as a musician, Tassa’s stance and Israeli nationality has led to calls from the BDS movement for his UK concerts to be cancelled.
🚨 Call on @Bristol_Beacon: Don’t Host Dudu Tassa & Jonny Greenwood on 23 June 🚨
— Bristol Palestine Alliance (@bristolBPA) April 23, 2025
Calling ALL to action:
✍️
Organisations, sign the open letter:https://t.co/GmnoNfVbjZ
Individuals, sign the petition:https://t.co/DfoxXcG9no
Don’t Let Music Whitewash Genocide pic.twitter.com/V5uvGGlwmp
In response to the booking, a local advocacy group called Bristol Palestine Alliance (BPA) released a social media post labelling Tassa and Greenwood “guilt of supporting the Gaza Holocaust” and urging supporters to boycott the performance.
In a letter to the Bristol Beacon, the venue set to host Tassa and Greenwood, last week BPA wrote: “Dudu Tassa recently took part in a programme called ‘Stronger Than the Wind’, an initiative organised by the Israeli Ministries of Defence and Culture to provide entertainment to Israeli soldiers – including those involved in the military assault on Gaza.
“These performances took place at military outposts and tactical zones, directly supporting troops engaged in operations that have been widely condemned by human rights.
"Bristol Beacon changed its name from Colston Hall in 2020 to reflect its commitment to anti-racism, justice, and historical accountability, cutting ties with the legacy of slave trader Edward Colston.
"We ask: how can a venue that renounced colonialism in name now give a platform to artists who recently supported a state engaging in settler-colonial violence and genocide?”
The group called on the venue to cancel the gig, offer “solidarity” to the Palestinian people and “reaffirm its commitment to ethical, inclusive cultural programming”.
The @Bristol_Beacon admits it caved in to online threats to cancel Jonny Greenwood @JnnyG and Dudu Tassa.
— Nicole Lampert (@nicolelampert) May 3, 2025
The crime is that @Dudutassa is Israeli.
I expect the free speech lot from the music industry are, right now, gathering their signatures for letters decrying this naked… pic.twitter.com/mzWhdHwNwY
The Bristol Beacon has now announced that the concert has been cancelled, saying: “The Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa concert on Monday 23 June will no longer be taking place. All ticketholders will receive a full refund.”
A spokesperson for the venue later said: “Given the small-scale nature of the performance in Lantern Hall, and with other events taking place in the venue, we do not feel that we can run the event viably with the wellbeing and safety of everyone in mind considering the potential for disruption from advertised protests.
"We apologise for the disappointment this may cause.”
BPA has hailed the move as a “victory” adding: “Public pressure works.
"Thanks to Bristol Beacon for listening, reacting and showing integrity.”
The JC has approached representatives for Radiohead and Dudu Tassa for comment.