Gil Scott Heron cancels Israel gig
By James Meadway | 25 April 2010
Gil Scott-Heron, whose political poetry influenced a generation of rap artists, last night sensationally announced the cancellation of his planned gig in Tel Aviv.
Speaking on-stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Scott-Heron told the audience he “hated war” and, in a lengthy monologue, told the packed audience his Israel tour date would not be going ahead. His concert had earlier been disrupted by fans dismayed at the booking, repeatedly heckling the performer and asking him to cancel. Security was called and audience members threatened with removal.
A Facebook page had been set up to urge the legendary performer against going ahead with his Israel appearance. It stated “This is a huge mistake from an enduring cultural and political hero. Let’s see if we can change his mind.” Over one thousand people have joined the page.
Scott-Heron is perhaps best-known for the classic The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, and was a leading voice in calling for the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa, joining United Artist Against Apartheid in the 1980s. His sharply political songs have provided a space for his own militant, anti-racist politics.
With Palestinian artists and musicians calling for a cultural boycott of Israel, campaigners were deeply saddened by Scott-Heron’s apparent decision to play a high-profile gig there.
“Gil Scott-Heron’s music has always been about fighting racism,” said protester Sara el-Sheekh.
“But Palestinians daily face the most terrible oppression from the Israeli occupation – easily comparable to apartheid in South Africa. Musicians and artists should not be giving this apartheid state any legitimacy. It’s great news that this date has been cancelled. Scott-Heron was cheered and applauded when he made his announcement.”
Comment by Yael Kahn:
Gil Scott-Heron said at noon on 24 April that he had not been aware of the Palestinian call to boycott Israel and that having been informed of it he would not play in Tel Aviv. Later that night, on stage at 10pm, he told 2,500 fans that he won’t play Tel Aviv where not everyone is welcome.
I was in the top box at the RFH in London, having an excellent birds-eye view, I saw his whole persona change after he made his statement. He suddenly shed the burden, his tired presence became energetic. The audience was electrified. It was a great finale.
People who oppose racism, support justice and are against human rights abuse welcome Gil’s solidarity with the Palestinians.
Those who are in denial of the Israeli Apartheid, ethnic cleansing and siege could have never understood Gil’s lyrics.
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This could give the Apartheid Zionist Entity a clear message that peace loving people are tired of this Settler State and want to see change.
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