‘Appalled’ London venue apologises over Primal Scream’s alleged use of antisemitic imagery at concert
The Scottish group were reported to the police after a video shown during a gig appeared to show the Star of David entwined with a swastika
Rock band Primal Scream have been accused of displaying “grossly antisemitic” imagery at a London concert.
The Community Security Trust (CST) reported the Scottish group to police after a video was screened on stage on Monday, appearing to show the Star of David entwined with a swastika.
This backdrop was visible as the band performed their 2000 song “Swastika Eyes” during a one-off gig at Camden’s Roundhouse.
The CST, which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, called for an “urgent investigation” from the venue.
In a statement shared with the Press Association, a spokesperson said: “Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.
“There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened and we have reported this to the police.”
The band, founded by frontman Bobby Gillespie in 1982, were performing a 25-year anniversary show for their album XTRMNTR.
As the group performed “Swastika Eyes”, pictures of political figures, including Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared behind them, showing what appeared to be the Star of David combined with a swastika in their eyes.
The Roundhouse has apologised to fans for the incident.
The Camden venue said it “deeply regret” that the “highly offensive” graphics were displayed, adding it was done entirely without their knowledge.
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In a statement, a spokesperson for Roundhouse said they were “appalled” by the display.
“We are appalled that antisemitic imagery was displayed during a Primal Scream gig on Monday 8th December at the Roundhouse,” the spokesperson said.
“We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologise to anyone who attended the gig, and to the wider Jewish community.
“The content, which was used entirely without our knowledge, stands against all of our values.”
The spokesperson said that Roundhouse “absolutely condemns antisemitism in every form”.
They added: “Acts of hatred, discrimination or prejudice of any kind are entirely unacceptable and have no place in our community or spaces.
“The safety of our staff and gig-going audiences remains of paramount importance to us.
“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and remain committed to ensuring that our spaces are places where everyone feels secure, respected and valued.”
Primal Scream and the Metropolitan Police have been approached for comment.