When it comes to controversy, few would expect to find the relatively inoffensive Kiwi pop legend Lorde at the heart of it all. However, her recent decision to announce tour dates that brought her to Israel has resulted in a number of fans and political commentators attacking the young muso.
Last week, numerous news websites noted that 21-year-old Lorde was receiving quite a bit of backlash for her decision to perform a show in Tel Aiv, Israel in June of 2018.
One particular critique of note came from New Zealand website The Spinoff, which published an open letter titled ‘Dear Lorde, here’s why we’re urging you not to play Israel”. The publication noted that “a performance in Israel sends the wrong message. Playing in Tel Aviv will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation.”
The authors of the piece concluded their plea to Lorde by asking her to “join the artistic boycott of Israel, cancel your Israeli tour dates and make a stand. Your voice will join many others and together we can and will make a difference.”
At the time, Lorde responded with a Tweet in which she admitted she was taking this information on board and was looking into alternatives.
Noted! Been speaking w many people about this and considering all options. Thank u for educating me i am learning all the time too 🌸
— Lorde (@lorde) December 21, 2017
Now, as Pitchfork reports, Lorde has cancelled her scheduled show, having been swayed by the information put to her by numerous protesters.
“I pride myself on being an informed young citizen,” Lorde wrote in a statement that has been shared on Twitter. “And I have done a lot of reading and sought a lot of opinions before deciding to book a show in Tel Aviv, but I’m not proud to admit I didn’t make the right call on this one.”
Here is @Lorde‘s statement on the cancellation of her Tel Aviv show, via Israeli PR for the concert. pic.twitter.com/Ph0uGHRjCV
— Amy Spiro (@AmySpiro) December 24, 2017
Of course, Lorde isn’t the first musician to receive criticism for their decision to perform in Israel, with musicians such as Nick Cave, Radiohead, and the Pixies having been derided for the decision to tour the country. Outspoken critics of Israel, including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters have famously made their opinions clear on the topic of musicians touring the country.
However, in the past, Roger Waters has also came under fire for his pleas for bands to reconsider their performance, with the legendary musician being labelled “anti-semitic” by a pro-Israeli organisation that humorously named themselves ‘We Don’t Need No Roger Waters’.
While Lorde’s statement notes that she intends to find a way for her Israeli fans to enjoy her music in a live setting at some time, we’ll have to wait and see just how she intends to do that.
Check out Lorde’s ‘Green Light’:
