The Pixies join Elvis Costello and Gil Scott-Heron in Boycotting Israel!

The Pixies are the latest musical acts to join the boycott of Israel, which already includes Elvis Costello and Gil Scott-Heron.

The show was going to be the Pixies' first show in Israel ever, but they pulled out a few days before their June 9th show in Tel Aviv. In their statement they state, "We'd like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans, but events beyond all our control have conspired against us."

I commend the Pixies and all of the above artists for pulling out of Israel. The Israeli government's attack on the ship headed towards the Gaza strip killed over 9 people, and their continued attacks on the Palestinian people have killed thousands more.

Many say that the Israeli people cannot control their government's actions and that it is only the fans that are being punished by these artists boycotting Israel. I would disagree. Just as we here in the US have the responsibility to oppose the US government when it mistreats it own people and those abroad, including its own support of Israel, the people of Israel have the responsibility to oppose their government when it violently evicts an entire people and kills thousands in the name of occupation. Also, when big artists boycott Israel, it send a statement that these artist do not want to make money for themselves from or make money for the hosting government.

While others are calling for boycotts of the artists that are boycotting Israel, I say we support these artists now more than ever. So Pixies and Gil Scott-Heron, this is for you:

The Pixies: Here Comes Your Man



Kim Deal played with The Breeders after The Pixies broke up in the early 90's. This is one of my favorite bands from the 90's.


Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised


Gil Scott-Heron: We Almost Lost Detroit


Talking about Detroit, the 2nd US Social Forum will be there from June 22-26, 2010. Although I won't be able to make it this year, don't let that stop you from going!