Radiohead star Jonny Greenwood admitted to intensive care
Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead was sent to urgent care after developing a serious illness.
The musician was had to postpone his tour of Europe with The Smile, his rock outfit with Thom Yorke, another star of Radiohead.
The 52-year-old British artist, songwriter, and keyboardist was on tour with drummer Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet and as part of The Smile.
Greenwood, who was born in Oxford, was described in a statement from The Smile as «seriously ill» and will «soon return home,» although it also stated that physicians had recommended him to relax.
All ticket buyers will receive a refund at the time of purchase, the band has announced.
«A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care,» according to a statement released by The Smile on X.
Thankfully, he is no longer in danger and will shortly be returning home. The medical staff overseeing Jonny’s care has directed us to postpone all plans until after he has had time to fully heal.
In light of this, the grin tour of Europe scheduled for August is canceled. The company that sold your tickets will be able to refund you for major performances.
«Everyone hopes Jonny recovers quickly.»
The group has put out two UK top 10 albums, Wall of Eyes and A Light For Attracting Attention.
The Smile’s sound has been likened to that of Radiohead, but with a stronger influence from jazz and German experimental music known as Krautrock.
Next month, the band was scheduled to perform at locations in Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Due to accusations that the group was «artwashing the Gaza genocide» by playing in Israel, they were subject to a boycott last month.
After performing with Israeli rock musician Dudu Tassa on May 26 at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club, the band was criticized by Palestinian activists due to the ongoing tension in the area.
Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS), an organization that stands up for Gazans against Israel’s government, claimed that the musicians had participated in «shameful art-washing,» a word that refers to the employment of artists to minimize controversial activities.
Now that Radiohead is scheduled to tour Europe and will be performing alongside Mr. Tassa, BDS is urging its supporters to obstruct the tour.
However, guitarist Jonny refuted the claim, saying that their Tel Aviv show featured a number of Arabic love songs from their 2023 album and was intended to foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
«Palestinians unequivocally condemn Jonny Greenwood’s shameful artwashing of Israel’s genocide,» stated the BDS statement.
However, this elicited a sincere reply from the musician, who stated: «I believe it is worthwhile to undertake an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians.»
«It seems unprogressive to me that Israeli dancers, musicians, and filmmakers are silenced when their work travels overseas,» he continued.
«Not least because these individuals are always the most forward-thinking members of any society.»
