Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, Paul Weller and Brian Eno among the thousand artists calling for an Eurovision boycott

A collective stand has shaken the Eurovision Song Contest. More than a thousand artists and cultural figures, including Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, Brian Eno and Paul Weller, have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the event until Israel is excluded from the competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union.

The initiative, promoted by the No Music for Genocide collective, openly challenges the stance taken by the EBU. The document points out that, unlike Russia – excluded in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine – Israel continues to take part despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the signatories, this discrepancy exposes a double standard that calls into question the event's declared neutrality.

The letter states that it is unacceptable for an event of such global reach to effectively help normalize a situation described as genocide, military occupation and siege. The artists declare their solidarity with demands coming from Palestinian communities and call on broadcasters, musicians and audiences not to take part in Eurovision until the EBU changes its position.

The text also references the role of Israel's public broadcaster KAN and the political pressure exerted to avoid exclusion from the contest. It also mentions Isaac Herzog, named as a figure involved in the diplomatic dynamics surrounding Israel's participation.

The protest draws on historical precedents, such as the cultural boycott of South Africa during apartheid, drawing a parallel with the current situation. Several artists and national delegations are said to have already voiced their dissent, through both withdrawals and public statements.

The document closes with a direct appeal to the music industry: refuse to take part and use the collective weight of the cultural sector to apply pressure. The chosen slogan sums up the stance taken: "No stage for genocide".

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google