Roger Waters, co-founder of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, has responded to recent criticism from fellow musician Nick Cave ….

Roger Waters, co-founder of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, has responded to recent criticism from fellow musician Nick Cave regarding his support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Waters, a vocal advocate for the movement since 2011, addressed Cave’s comments through an Instagram post, urging him to reconsider his stance and join the cause.

#### Nick Cave’s Critique of Waters’ BDS Stance

The controversy began when Nick Cave, frontman of the band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, appeared on an episode of the “Reason” podcast, released on August 28, 2024. During the discussion, Cave described Roger Waters’ advocacy for a cultural boycott of Israel as “embarrassing” and “deeply damaging.” Cave’s remarks have since ignited a debate within the music community, highlighting a clash between two influential figures over a sensitive political issue.

#### Waters’ Response: “It’s Not Complicated, Nick”

In response to Cave’s criticism, Waters took to Instagram to address his 1.3 million followers. He pointed out that the British newspaper, *The Independent*, had reached out to him for a comment on the situation following Cave’s statements on the podcast. In a video reel, Waters expressed his frustration with the media’s portrayal of the issue and shared his response to Cave directly.

Reading from his prepared statement, Waters said: “Dear Independent, here is my response to the Aussie bloke. Nick Cave. Nick fucking Cave. The Palestinian mother or father carrying the bits of her or his 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.”

He continued, “Dear Nick Cave, we, the Indigenous people of Palestine, in this agony, implore you, please don’t cross the BDS picket line to sing for your supper in Israel. It’s not complicated, Nick. It’s not complicated.”

Waters went on to emphasize that by performing in Israel, Cave and other artists inadvertently contribute to the “whitewashing” of what he describes as the “75-year-old Zionist Israeli occupation, land theft, apartheid, and genocide of our people.” Waters implored Cave to follow his example and that of Brian Eno, another prominent supporter of the BDS movement, along with “many, many thousands of others” who have taken a stand against Israeli policies.

#### The Ongoing Debate: BDS Movement and Its Supporters

Waters, who turned 80 this year, has been a staunch supporter of the BDS movement for over a decade. His advocacy has often placed him at the center of controversy, especially when he calls for other artists to refrain from performing in Israel. In 2018, Waters and Brian Eno were among the key figures pushing for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest held in Tel Aviv. Their campaign was part of a broader effort to bring attention to the Palestinian cause and to protest against the Israeli government’s policies.

Nick Cave, however, has publicly opposed the boycott, arguing that it restricts artistic expression and dialogue. In the same podcast, Cave criticized Eno alongside Waters, underscoring his belief that cultural boycotts are not an effective means of promoting peace or understanding.

#### Broader Implications in the Music Community

The exchange between Waters and Cave has fueled a larger discussion within the music community about the role of artists in political activism and the ethics of cultural boycotts. Throughout the summer, several musicians and bands have chosen to boycott festivals and concerts due to their associations with Israel. For example, four bands withdrew from Download Festival 2024 over its sponsorship with Barclays Bank, which has known ties to Israeli companies and investments.

Similarly, in May 2024, more than a quarter of the acts slated to perform at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton pulled out in solidarity with Palestine, also citing the event’s sponsorship by Barclays Bank as a reason for their withdrawal.

#### New Releases Amidst Controversy

Amidst this ongoing debate, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released their latest album, *Wild God*, on August 30, 2024. The album has received critical acclaim, with NME giving it a four-star review. The review noted that “Bad Seeds records are infamously loaded with gothic doom and gloom,” but added that the new album, while still steeped in dark themes, shows Cave embracing a “lust for life” and letting “the light in.”

#### Divisions Among Artists: A Persistent Issue

The conversation sparked by Waters and Cave reflects a broader division among artists regarding the BDS movement and how best to support the Palestinian cause. While Waters and his supporters argue that cultural boycotts are a non-violent way to pressure the Israeli government into changing its policies, others, like Cave, contend that art and music should remain apolitical or serve as a means of fostering dialogue, not division.

Cave’s opposition to the boycott is rooted in his belief that music and culture can bridge divides rather than exacerbate them. His comments suggest a concern that the BDS movement, in seeking to isolate Israel culturally, may inadvertently shut down the very conversations that are necessary for peace and mutual understanding.

On the other hand, Waters’ advocacy underscores his belief that artists have a moral obligation to stand up against what he views as systemic injustice and oppression. His comments to Cave reflect a broader frustration with artists who, in his opinion, do not fully grasp the gravity of the situation in Palestine or the impact of their decisions to perform in Israel.

#### Looking Forward: What’s Next for Waters and Cave?

The disagreement between Waters and Cave is unlikely to be resolved quickly, given the deep convictions held by both men. As the debate continues, it raises important questions about the role of art in politics and the responsibilities of artists to their audiences and the world at large.

For Waters, the path is clear: continued support of the BDS movement and calls for other artists to do the same. For Cave, the challenge is to navigate the complexities of political activism while maintaining his belief in the power of music to unite rather than divide.

As these two iconic musicians continue to voice their opinions, the music community will undoubtedly watch closely, reflecting on their own positions and the impact of their choices in an increasingly polarized world.

#### Conclusion: A Polarized Debate with No Easy Answers

The clash between Roger Waters and Nick Cave over the BDS movement is a microcosm of a larger debate that extends beyond the music world into global politics, human rights, and cultural expression. While Waters maintains that the decision to boycott Israel is “not complicated,” Cave’s counterpoint suggests that the issue is far more nuanced.

Ultimately, this disagreement exemplifies the broader challenge faced by artists today: balancing their personal beliefs with their public platforms, and deciding how best to use their influence in a world rife with political and ethical complexities. As the debate continues, both Waters and Cave remain steadfast in their respective convictions, and the music world remains divided on how best to engage with these contentious issues.