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Radiohead star Jonny Greenwood has been rushed to intensive care after suffering a serious illness.
The musician was forced to cancel the European leg of his tour with The Smile, his rock group with fellow Radiohead star Thom Yorke.
The 52-year-old British musician, keyboardist and songwriter was touring as part of The Smile with Thom and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner.
A statement from The Smile said Oxford-born Greenwood had been “seriously ill” and would “soon return home” but added that doctors had advised him he needed to rest.
The band has confirmed that all ticket holders will receive a refund at the point of purchase.
A statement released by The Smile on X said: ‘A few days ago Jonny became seriously ill with an infection which required emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care.
Radiohead star Jonny Greenwood has been rushed to intensive care after suffering a serious illness.
The 52-year-old musician (left) was touring as part of The Smile with fellow Radiohead singer Thom Yorke (right) as well as Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner (centre).
“Thankfully, he is now out of danger and will soon be returning home. Jonny’s medical team has instructed us to cancel all engagements until he has had time to fully recover.”
‘For this reason, the Smile Tour in August is cancelled. Refunds for the main shows will be available through your ticket provider.
‘We all wish Jonny a speedy recovery.’
The band have released two UK Top 10 albums: A Light For Attracting Attention and Wall Of Eyes.
The Smile’s sound has been compared to Radiohead, but with more influence from Krautrock, a form of German experimental music, and jazz.
The band was scheduled to play venues in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Poland next month.
Last month, the group faced a boycott after being accused of “artistically whitewashing the Gaza genocide” by performing in Israel.
The band shared the stage with Israeli rock star Dudu Tassa at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club on May 26, but later faced criticism from Palestinian activists in the wake of the conflict in the region.
A statement from The Smile said Oxford-born Greenwood had been “seriously ill” and would “soon be returning home” but added that doctors had advised him he needed to rest (pictured in June).
A statement released by The Smile on X read: ‘A few days ago Jonny became seriously ill with an infection which required emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) group, which supports Gazans against Israel’s government, said the musicians had engaged in “shameful artistic whitewashing” – a term used to suggest controversial actions can be downplayed by using the artists.
BDS is now calling on its supporters to halt Radiohead’s planned tour of Europe as they plan to perform with Tassa.
But guitarist Jonny denied the accusation, arguing that his performance in Tel Aviv included many Arabic love songs from his 2023 album and was designed to promote harmony between Israelis and Palestinians.
The strongly worded BDS statement read: ‘Palestinians unequivocally condemn Jonny Greenwood’s shameful artistic whitewashing of Israel’s genocide.’
Last month, the group faced a boycott after being accused of “artistically whitewashing the Gaza genocide” when performing in Israel. Jonny (left) and Thom (foreground) pictured with Israeli singer Dudu Tassa (right).
Jonny is married to Israeli visual artist Sharona Katan (pictured together in 2018).
Jonny released a statement following calls for a boycott of Radiohead
But this elicited a heartfelt response from the musician who said: “I think an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians is worthwhile.”
He added: ““The silencing of Israeli filmmakers, musicians and dancers when their works travel abroad… strikes me as unprogressive.”
“Among other things because these people are invariably the most progressive members of any society.”
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