political issue
Munich tolerates Roger Waters concert and sets an example
Roger Waters, co-founder and bassist of the rock band Pink Floyd, has come under criticism for statements and actions critical of Israel. photo
© Victoria Jones/PA Wire/dpa
The Pink Floyd musician is allowed to perform in Munich on May 21, even if it is to be expected that he will then make anti-Semitic statements. The city’s hands are tied, but do something anyway.
The city of Munich will not ban the concert by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, who has been criticized for anti-Semitism, on May 21 in the Olympiahalle. For legal reasons, it is not possible to terminate the contract with the concert organizer extraordinarily, according to the decision taken by the city council on Wednesday.
Instead, the city will set signs for international understanding, international solidarity and against anti-Semitism around the concert, as well as for Israel’s right to exist and the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) also wants to work with the Bavarian state government to find ways to create a legal basis so that municipalities can ban performances in similar cases. It was unspeakable and unbearable to allow an artist to perform at a concert where it was almost certain that propaganda critical of Israel, and in some cases clearly anti-Semitic slogans, would be thrown around, said Reiter.
Among other things, Waters has been criticized for his proximity to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign, which calls for a boycott of the State of Israel and its assets because of the Palestine policy. At concerts he released pig-shaped balloons with a Star of David. Statements about the war in Ukraine also caused a stir.
Waters had announced legal steps against possible bans, for example in the case of a concert in Frankfurt am Main, and relied on freedom of expression. In addition, he was not anti-Semitic, he said through his management. His views relate only to the policies and actions of the government of Israel and not to the people. He condemns anti-Semitism and all forms of racism.