Roger Waters has launched a scathing critique of Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead, labeling him as “timid” and “unpleasant” in the context of their ongoing dispute regarding the band’s performances in Israel. This conflict, which began in earnest during 2017, revolves around Waters’ staunch advocacy for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, aimed at opposing Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.
On a recent episode of **The Katie Halper Show**, Waters, who co-founded **Pink Floyd**, expressed his frustrations, saying of Yorke, “He’s a timid little bloke. I think he’s unpleasant company. I wrote him many letters, you know.” Waters has consistently condemned Yorke and his band for their decision to perform in Israel, which he believes undermines the Palestinian cause.
The roots of this tension trace back to **2017**, when Radiohead proceeded with a concert in **Tel Aviv** despite calls, including from Waters, to cancel their performance under the cultural boycott of Israel. Waters has been an active supporter of the BDS movement since **2011**, arguing that cultural engagements with Israel are detrimental to the Palestinian struggle.
In response to inquiries about whether Yorke ever replied to his letters, Waters stated, “Yes, he did respond. It’s all going in my memoir. He got very very snarky and he was trying to be fun[ny].” This exchange highlights the personal nature of their conflict, which has been characterized by public statements and criticisms.
Yorke has defended his position, clarifying that performing in a country does not equate to an endorsement of its government. He previously remarked, “Playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government,” a statement aimed at clarifying Radiohead’s stance regarding Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** and other political figures.
Earlier in **2023**, Yorke reflected on the Israel–Gaza conflict during a solo performance in **Melbourne**. At that show, he faced heckling from a protester, which he later described as a moment that overshadowed his performance. “Some guy shouting at me from the dark last year when I was picking up a guitar to sing the final song alone in front of 9000 people in Melbourne didn’t really seem like the best moment to discuss the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” he wrote on social media.
Yorke expressed regret about how his silence during the performance was interpreted, stating, “I remained in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity.” He emphasized his intention to show respect for those suffering in the region and criticized the way his actions were manipulated by others, ultimately affecting his mental health.
As the debate continues, both artists remain entrenched in their positions, reflecting the broader tensions surrounding cultural engagement with Israel and the ongoing humanitarian issues in the region. Their public exchanges highlight the complexities of artistic responsibility in the face of political realities, resonating with fans and activists alike.
