GERMANY – MUSIC
In Munich, Germany, authorities have failed to cancel a concert by Roger Waters, one of the founding members of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, Deutsche Welle reports.
The concert is to take place on May 21. The city authorities explained that they have no legal means to cancel the contract with the concert organizers. However, they have promised that the city will show solidarity in the fight against anti-Semitism and express support for Israel and Ukraine. What events will symbolise this support, the city has not yet announced.
Why the founder of Pink Floyd is not welcome in Munich
79-year-old British musician Waters has been accused of anti-Semitism because of his public stance and repeated remarks at concerts.
Critics have called him “an anti-Semite, a conspiracy theorist and an Israel-hater”. The musician himself claims that he is not anti-Semitic, and his views are solely about the actions of the Israeli government, not about the people and the country itself.
In addition, Waters is often referred to in public space as an “apologist for Putin”. In February, at Russia’s request, Waters spoke online before the UN Security Council, where he claimed to represent the opinion of more than half of humanity.
At the beginning of his speech, the musician called Russia’s attack on Ukraine illegal, but later added that “the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not unprovoked,” thus condemning not only the invasion but also the “provocateurs.”
Waters’ concerts are scheduled for May in several German cities: Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt am Main.
