Radiohead’s Thom Yorke Snaps Back at Heckler Asking Him To Condemn Israeli Genocide: “Don’t Stand There Like a Coward”

While helping form the rock band Radiohead, Thom Yorke also explored a solo career with albums like The Eraser and Anima. Able to play the guitar, keyboard, bass, and several other instruments, the singer often incorporated political themes into his music. Willing to talk about certain hot topics, Yorke recently snapped back at a heckler at his concert when asked to denounce Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip that led to thousands of deaths.

Helming his solo tour, Yorke traveled to Melbourne, Australia for a concert. And while the singer received a warm welcome from fans, one person decided to confront the musician. During his set, a person stood up in the crowd and yelled at Yorke, demanding, “Do you condemn the Israeli genocide of Gaza? Already 200,000 dead, half of them children.”

Not shying away from the moment, Yorke simply asked the fan if he wanted to “come up here and say that.” After getting some support from fans, the musician continued, “Don’t stand there like a coward, come here and say it. You want to piss on everybody’s night? OK you do it, see you later.” After waiting, Yorke decided to exit the stage.

Having performed in Israel in the past, many criticized Radiohead for not standing against the attacks. But back in 2017, while preparing for a show in Tel Aviv, Yorke released a statement reading, “We don’t endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump, but we still play in America. Music, art and academia is about crossing borders not building them.”

Thom Yorke Returns To The Stage

With the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, there have been conflicting reports surrounding the loss of life. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, over 43,000 people lost their lives since Israel started their assault last year after the Hamas attack on October 7th.

As for fans, they seemed to side with Yorke as comments read, “Thom offered the guy the stage and mic to make his point. He chickened out and got escorted out.” Another person added, “Personally, I think if you want a message to be spread or a statement to be made, the worst possible thing to do is scream it out and interrupt a concert that everyone is enjoying.”

Not letting the heckler ruin the night, Yorke eventually returned to the stage to continue the concert, performing “Karma Police.”