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The Roundhouse music venue in Camden, north London, has issued an apology following the display of what has been described as antisemitic imagery during a Primal Scream concert. Venue management expressed their “deep regret” over the incident, emphasizing that the offensive visuals appeared without their prior knowledge. The band, originally from Glasgow, faced a police report filed by the Community Security Trust (CST) after a video shown on stage appeared to combine the Star of David with a swastika during their performance on Monday evening.
Primal Scream responded to the controversy via an Instagram post on Friday, describing the video as “a piece of art,” though they did not explicitly clarify if this referred to the same footage in question. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were contacted about the video shown while the band performed their 2000 track “Swastika Eyes” in a one-off live event. During the concert, large screens displayed images of political figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose eyes in the imagery appeared to feature the combined Star of David and swastika symbol. The video also included slogans such as “stop genocide,” “free Palestine,” and the phrase “our government is complicit.” Police are currently reviewing the footage to determine if any laws were broken.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Roundhouse condemned the imagery as “appalling” and “highly offensive,” issuing an unequivocal apology to attendees and the wider Jewish community. They stressed that the display contradicted the core values of the venue, as it had been presented entirely without their consent. The Roundhouse reiterated its firm stance against antisemitism and any form of discrimination, stating, “Acts of hatred, discrimination or prejudice of any kind are entirely unacceptable and have no place in our community or spaces.” They affirmed their commitment to creating an environment where all visitors feel safe, respected, and valued.
Primal Scream, led by Bobby Gillespie since its formation in 1982, was celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album XTRMNTR at the event. Their Instagram message suggested that the controversial video intended to provoke discussion regarding the actions of current world governments, asserting, “It is meant to provide debate, not hate. In a free, pluralistic and liberal society, freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.” Meanwhile, the CST stressed that the combination of the Star of David and swastika risks promoting hatred against Jews and has called for an urgent investigation by the venue. The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the images as “absolutely sickening and totally inexcusable,” dismissing claims of art or political statement and labeling the visuals as “unadulterated hatred,” with legal actions under consideration. The Metropolitan Police remain engaged in assessing the case following the report filed after the concert
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