Primal Scream's London Gig Sparks Outrage Over Display of Swastika Inside Star of David
The Scottish rock band Primal Scream has faced intense backlash after a video showing an image of a swastika superimposed over the center of a Star of David was displayed during one of their London gigs. The provocative display, which also featured images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, sparked accusations of racism and antisemitism.
The film, which was projected behind the band as they performed the song Swastika Eyes, depicted a swastika in the center of a Star of David that was then overlaid onto the eyes of political figures. The video also showed images of destruction in Gaza, concluding with the words "Our government is complicit in genocide."
The venue, Roundhouse, expressed its "utter dismay" over the display and stated that it had not been aware of the video. The incident was also reported to police by the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that provides security advice and training to protect British Jews.
Primal Scream defended their actions on social media, describing the film as "a piece of art" meant to provoke debate rather than incite hate. However, critics argue that the display was an act of malice and cruelty, and that it trivialized the meaning of the Star of David and the swastika.
The band's decision has been met with widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations and community groups, who see it as a form of antisemitism. The Creative Community for Peace, a pro-Israel advocacy group, called the display an "act of profound malice" that was "an act of antisemitism in its starkest form."
The incident raises questions about artistic freedom and the limits of what can be considered acceptable expression. While Primal Scream has the right to express themselves creatively, their actions have caused significant offense and hurt to many people.
As the controversy surrounding the display continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Primal Scream will face any consequences for their actions.
The Scottish rock band Primal Scream has faced intense backlash after a video showing an image of a swastika superimposed over the center of a Star of David was displayed during one of their London gigs. The provocative display, which also featured images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, sparked accusations of racism and antisemitism.
The film, which was projected behind the band as they performed the song Swastika Eyes, depicted a swastika in the center of a Star of David that was then overlaid onto the eyes of political figures. The video also showed images of destruction in Gaza, concluding with the words "Our government is complicit in genocide."
The venue, Roundhouse, expressed its "utter dismay" over the display and stated that it had not been aware of the video. The incident was also reported to police by the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that provides security advice and training to protect British Jews.
Primal Scream defended their actions on social media, describing the film as "a piece of art" meant to provoke debate rather than incite hate. However, critics argue that the display was an act of malice and cruelty, and that it trivialized the meaning of the Star of David and the swastika.
The band's decision has been met with widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations and community groups, who see it as a form of antisemitism. The Creative Community for Peace, a pro-Israel advocacy group, called the display an "act of profound malice" that was "an act of antisemitism in its starkest form."
The incident raises questions about artistic freedom and the limits of what can be considered acceptable expression. While Primal Scream has the right to express themselves creatively, their actions have caused significant offense and hurt to many people.
As the controversy surrounding the display continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Primal Scream will face any consequences for their actions.
... i mean what even is art if it's not meant to spark debate and make people uncomfortable? but at the same time, that swastika superimposed over the Star of David is just so wrong, it's like they're trying to erase the very essence of what that symbol represents for millions of people 
... and then to throw in all those other images of world leaders and destruction in Gaza? it feels like a really lazy attempt at being provocative rather than actually having something meaningful to say about any of it 
... i guess we'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out, but for now, i think we can all agree that there's definitely some serious hurt and offense going around 
like what was going through their minds?! Displaying a swastika over a Star of David is just straight up wrong on so many levels 
it's not even about art or provoking debate, it's just plain hate. And now the venue is all "utter dismay" but like come on, you should've known better 
the Community Security Trust reported it to the cops and I'm pretty sure they'll be getting a lot of backlash from Jewish organizations. Primal Scream thinks they're being "profoundly artistic" with their display but really they just came off as insensitive and cruel 
the fact that they thought they could just show that on stage and get away with it is just mind-boggling. i mean, who does that? 
its like they forgot that there are actual people in the audience who have to deal with this kind of stuff every day... and its not just about them being offended, its about the fact that they're perpetuating hate and hurt. 
and btw whs w/ the images of israeli & american politicians? did they think ppl wudnt catch on 2 the antisemitic vibes 
. The fact that people are getting so upset and calling it antisemitism just shows how sensitive everyone's gotten 
. I mean, if you can't handle a little artistic provocation then maybe don't go to a Primal Scream concert 
.