Gil Scott Heron announces cancellation of Tel Aviv concert
Artist won't play in Israel "until everyone is welcome there".
Fans of revolutionary poet and singer-songwriter Gil Scott Heron welcomed his decision tonight to cancel the concert he had been scheduled to play in Tel Aviv this May. Heron announced the decision during his set at London's Royal Festival Hall, the opening date of his World tour.
Activists from the Gil Scott Heron Boycott Israel Campaign had picketed the event earlier in the day, attracting considerable public interest and support. Ten activists from the Campaign then continued their protest inside the concert, raising the issue of Israeli apartheid right at the start of Heron's set and after the first song.
The activists were great admirers of the artist who were shocked by Heron's decision to play Israel, given his longstanding commitment to equality and civil rights in both the USA and South Africa.
The Campaign is now awaiting confirmation from Gil Scott Heron's management that the concert has indeed been cancelled.
Emory Douglas, renowned artist of the Black Panther Party, commented "My choice to join the voices opposed to your going [to Tel Aviv] wasn't personal, but the right thing to do. I will be one of the first in line at your next concert in my town. May you continue to inform and inspire."
Artist won't play in Israel "until everyone is welcome there".
Fans of revolutionary poet and singer-songwriter Gil Scott Heron welcomed his decision tonight to cancel the concert he had been scheduled to play in Tel Aviv this May. Heron announced the decision during his set at London's Royal Festival Hall, the opening date of his World tour.
Activists from the Gil Scott Heron Boycott Israel Campaign had picketed the event earlier in the day, attracting considerable public interest and support. Ten activists from the Campaign then continued their protest inside the concert, raising the issue of Israeli apartheid right at the start of Heron's set and after the first song.
The activists were great admirers of the artist who were shocked by Heron's decision to play Israel, given his longstanding commitment to equality and civil rights in both the USA and South Africa.
The Campaign is now awaiting confirmation from Gil Scott Heron's management that the concert has indeed been cancelled.
Emory Douglas, renowned artist of the Black Panther Party, commented "My choice to join the voices opposed to your going [to Tel Aviv] wasn't personal, but the right thing to do. I will be one of the first in line at your next concert in my town. May you continue to inform and inspire."
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