Boy George says he can't find musicians willing to perform with him in 'Israel'

• Boy George says he is struggling to find musicians willing to accompany him at two upcoming concerts in Tel Aviv.
• The singer has faced professional backlash over his support for ‘Israel’ and his song “We Will Dance Again,” which has drawn criticism for its stance on the war in Gaza.

British singer Boy George is reportedly struggling to assemble a backing band for his upcoming concerts in Tel Aviv, amid growing controversy over his public support for ‘Israel’ and his pro-Israel song, “We Will Dance Again.”

In an interview with 'Israeli' Channel 12 that aired on October 10, the Culture Club frontman acknowledged that finding musicians willing to accompany him had proved difficult.

“We’re trying to find a band right now,” he said, adding that he was looking for people “brave enough to come.”

The controversy follows the release of “We Will Dance Again,” a song inspired by the October 7, 2023, attack on the Nova music festival. The track has drawn criticism from musicians and commentators over lyrics that reject descriptions of ‘Israel’s’ military campaign in Gaza as genocide and criticize artists who have expressed support for Palestine.

Martyn Ware, co-founder of Heaven 17 and The Human League, criticized the song as an “overtly pro-genocide, anti-Palestinian piece of musical propaganda,” according to NME.

The backlash has reportedly extended beyond the song itself, with Boy George describing threats, harassment and strained professional relationships over his position. He has maintained that his support for ‘Israel’ does not mean he is indifferent to Palestinians.

Boy George is scheduled to perform at Tel Aviv’s Menora Mivtachim Arena on November 4, with a second concert added for November 7 after the first show sold out, according to The Times of Israel.

The difficulty in recruiting musicians comes as international artists face scrutiny over performing in ‘Israel’ amid calls for a cultural boycott linked to the war in Gaza.