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Radiohead have been forced to cancel the European leg of their tour after guitarist Jonny Greenwood was rushed to intensive care following a significant illness.
The 52-year-old British musician, keyboardist and composer was touring as part of The Smile with fellow Radiohead singer Thom Yorke as well as Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner.
A statement from The Smile said Oxford-born Greenwood had been ‘seriously ill’ and would ‘soon return home’, but added doctors had advised he needed rest.
The band has confirmed all ticket holders will be refunded at the point of purchase.
A statement posted by The Smile on X, said: ‘A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care.
Radiohead have been forced to cancel the European leg of their tour after guitarist Jonny Greenwood was rushed to intensive care following a significant illness
The 52-year-old musician (L) was touring as part of The Smile with fellow Radiohead singer Thom Yorke (R) as well as Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner (C)
‘Mercifully he is now out of danger and will soon return home. We have been instructed by the medical team in charge of Jonny’s care to cancel all engagements until he has had time to make a full recovery’.
‘To that end, the smile tour of Europe in August is cancelled. Refunds for headline shows will be available from your Ticket provider.
‘We all wish Jonny a speedy recovery.’
The band has released two UK top 10 albums in A Light For Attracting Attention and Wall Of Eyes.
The Smile’s sound has been compared to Radiohead, but with more of an influence from Krautrock, a form of German experimental music, and jazz.
The band was set to play venues in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Poland next month.
Last month the group were facing a boycott after being accused of ‘artwashing the Gaza genocide’ by performing in Israel.
The band shared a stage with Israeli rock star Dudu Tassa at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv on 26 May but faced criticism from Palestinian activists afterwards in the wake of the conflict in the region.
A statement from The Smile said Oxford-born Greenwood had been ‘seriously ill’ and would ‘soon return home’, but added doctors had advised he needed rest (pictured in June)
A statement posted by The Smile on X, said: ‘A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care
Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) which supports Gazans against Israel’s government, said the musicians had engaged in ‘shameful art-washing’- a term used to suggest controversial actions can be downplayed by using artists.
BDS is now calling on its supporters to disrupt Radiohead’s planned tour in Europe- as they intend to perform with Mr Tassa.
But guitarist Jonny denied the allegation, arguing their performance in Tel Aviv included many Arabic love songs from their 2023 album- and was designed to promote harmony between Israeli and Palestinian.
BDS’ strong statement read: ‘Palestinians unequivocally condemn Jonny Greenwood’s shameful artwashing of Israel’s genocide.’
Last month the group were facing a boycott after being accused of ‘artwashing the Gaza genocide’ by performing in Israel Jonny (left) and Thom (foreground) pictured with Isreali singer Dudu Tassa (right)
Jonny is married to Israeli Sharona Katan who is a visual artist (pictured together in 2018)
Jonny released a statement in the wake of calls for Radiohead to be boycotted
But this prompted a heartfelt response from the musician who said: ‘I think an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians is worthwhile.’
He added: ‘The silencing of Israeli film makers, musicians, dancers when their work tours abroad…feels unprogressive to me.’
‘Not least because it is these people that are invariably the most progressive members of any society.’