Nick Cave’s Critique of Waters’ BDS Stance
The controversy arose after Cave appeared on the “Reason” podcast on August 28, 2024, where he described Waters’ advocacy for a cultural boycott of Israel as “embarrassing” and “deeply damaging.” His remarks sparked a debate within the music community, highlighting a clash between two prominent figures over a sensitive political issue.
Waters’ Response: “It’s Not Complicated, Nick”
In his Instagram response, Waters expressed frustration over the media’s portrayal of the situation. He shared a prepared statement, directly addressing Cave: “Dear Independent, here is my response to the Aussie bloke. Nick Cave. The Palestinian mother or father carrying the bits of their dead child back along the bitter road to nowhere in a plastic bag pauses on the roadside to scratch a message in the rubble. Nick, here’s the message.”
Waters continued, urging Cave not to cross the BDS picket line by performing in Israel: “It’s not complicated, Nick. By performing in Israel, you contribute to the whitewashing of what I describe as the 75-year-old Zionist Israeli occupation, land theft, apartheid, and genocide of our people.” He encouraged Cave to follow the example of other BDS supporters, including Brian Eno.
New Releases Amidst Controversy
Amid this ongoing debate, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released their latest album, *Wild God*, on August 30, 2024. The album has garnered critical acclaim, with NME awarding it four stars.
Divisions Among Artists: A Persistent Issue
The conversation sparked by Waters and Cave highlights a broader division among artists regarding the BDS movement and support for the Palestinian cause. Waters and his supporters argue that cultural boycotts serve as a non-violent means to pressure the Israeli government for change.
Cave’s opposition to the boycott stems from his belief that music and culture can bridge divides rather than deepen them. He suggests that the BDS movement, by isolating Israel culturally, may unintentionally stifle the conversations necessary for peace and mutual understanding.
His comments to Cave reflect frustration with artists who, in his view, fail to comprehend the seriousness of the situation in Palestine and the implications of their performances in Israel.
