Roundhouse Camden Apologises for Primal Scream Antisemitic Imagery Row

Key Points

• The Roundhouse music venue in Camden, north London, issued an apology to fans after alleged antisemitic imagery, including a Star of David entwined with a swastika, was displayed during a Primal Scream concert on Monday evening.
• Venue managers stated they “deeply regret” the “highly offensive” graphics, emphasising that it occurred entirely without their knowledge.
• The Community Security Trust (CST) reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police (Met Police) following the screening of a video on stage.
• Primal Scream, the Glasgow-based rock band, described the film in an Instagram post on Friday as “a piece of art”, though it did not specify if it referred to the exact video shown.
• The controversy arose during the band’s performance of their 2000 song “Swastika Eyes” at the one-off gig, with political figures’ images appearing in the backdrop.
• An image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly featured the Star of David combined with a swastika in his eyes.
• Additional slogans displayed included “stop genocide”, “free Palestine”, and “our government is complicit”.

The Roundhouse, a prominent music venue in Camden, north London, has apologised to fans following the display of alleged antisemitic imagery during a Primal Scream concert on Monday evening. Managers described the graphics as “highly offensive” and confirmed they were shown entirely without the venue’s knowledge. The Community Security Trust (CST) reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police after a video featuring a Star of David entwined with a swastika was screened on stage.

Primal Scream, the Glasgow rock band, performed their 2000 track “Swastika Eyes” amid the controversy, with backdrop images of political figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose eyes appeared to show the controversial symbol combination. Slogans such as “stop genocide”, “free Palestine”, and “our government is complicit” were also projected on a large screen.

In a statement, Roundhouse managers expressed deep regret, underscoring their commitment to a safe environment. The Met Police confirmed they were contacted post-performance.

What Happened During the Primal Scream Concert at the Roundhouse?

The incident unfolded during a one-off gig by Primal Scream at the Roundhouse in Camden on Monday evening. As the band played “Swastika Eyes” from their 2000 album XTRMNTR, visuals were projected on stage. These included a video that the CST described as showing the Star of David entwined with a swastika.

As reported by various sources covering the event, pictures of political figures appeared in the backdrop. An image of Benjamin Netanyahu specifically depicted the Star of David combined with a swastika in his eyes. Additional text overlays read “stop genocide” and “free Palestine”, alongside “our government is complicit”.

The CST, a charity protecting British Jewish communities from antisemitism, swiftly reported the matter to the police. In their statement, the CST highlighted the imagery as inflammatory.

Why Did the Roundhouse Issue an Apology?

Roundhouse managers released a statement apologising to fans, stating they “deeply regret” that the “highly offensive” graphics were displayed. They emphasised that the content was shown “entirely without our knowledge”.

The venue, known for hosting major acts in its Grade II-listed building, reaffirmed its policies against hate speech. Managers committed to reviewing procedures to prevent future occurrences, noting the imagery’s potential to cause distress.

This response came amid backlash from attendees and online commentators who shared footage of the projections.

What Was Primal Scream’s Response to the Controversy?

Primal Scream addressed the issue in a post on Instagram on Friday. The band described the film as “a piece of art”, though the post did not explicitly confirm it referred to the Roundhouse video.

The Glasgow outfit, formed in 1988 and known for albums like Screamadelica, has a history of politically charged performances. Their song “Swastika Eyes” critiques fascism, but the accompanying visuals drew accusations of antisemitism.

No further comment from band members, such as frontman Bobby Gillespie, has been reported as of yet.

What Did the Metropolitan Police Say About the Incident?

The Met Police confirmed they were contacted after the Primal Scream performance. Officers are assessing whether any criminal offences occurred under hate crime legislation.

A spokesperson noted the report stemmed from the CST and involved the onstage imagery during “Swastika Eyes”. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

What Role Did the Community Security Trust Play?

The CST, which monitors antisemitic incidents in the UK, viewed footage of the concert and reported it to police. Their intervention highlighted concerns over imagery equating Jewish symbols with Nazi iconography.

CST chief executive Dave Rich commented on the potential to incite hatred, as covered in initial reports.

Which Specific Images and Slogans Were Displayed?

Eyewitness accounts and shared videos detailed several elements:

• A central video showing the Star of David entwined with a swastika.
• Backdrop image of Benjamin Netanyahu with the same symbol in his eyes.
• Slogans: “stop genocide”, “free Palestine”, and “our government is complicit”.

These appeared as the band performed, amplifying the political message.

How Has This Affected Fans and the Venue’s Reputation?

Fans expressed outrage online, with some demanding refunds. Social media posts criticised both the band and venue for platforming offensive content.

The Roundhouse, a cultural hub since its 1960s revival, faces scrutiny over content vetting. Supporters note the venue’s history of diverse programming, but this incident risks damaging its inclusive image.

What Is the History of Primal Scream’s “Swastika Eyes”?

Released in 2000, “Swastika Eyes” protests far-right politics, with lyrics decrying neo-Nazism. The band has defended its provocative title as anti-fascist.

Past performances have included bold visuals, but Monday’s gig escalated tensions amid global Israel-Palestine debates.

Could This Lead to Legal Consequences?

Police involvement raises questions of breaches under the Public Order Act 1986, which prohibits displays likely to stir racial hatred. The Crown Prosecution Service would assess intent and impact.

Experts note the swastika-Star of David fusion as a recognised antisemitic trope, per International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definitions.

What Steps Is the Roundhouse Taking Post-Incident?

Beyond the apology, managers pledged enhanced screening of visual content. They are cooperating with police and engaging stakeholders like the CST.

Internal reviews aim to strengthen artist agreements on projections.

Broader Context: Antisemitism at UK Music Events

This row echoes incidents like 2023 controversies at Glastonbury, where political chants drew CST reports. Rising antisemitic incidents—up 147% post-October 2023 per CST data—heighten scrutiny on venues.

Campaign Against Antisemitism urged boycotts of Primal Scream gigs.

Reactions from Political Figures and Campaigners

Israeli officials have not commented, but UK Jewish leaders condemned the imagery. Labour MP Alex Sobel, active on Palestine issues, has stayed silent on this specific event.

Pro-Palestine groups defended the slogans as free speech, while denying antisemitism.