Many new names from across the arts and media world have been added to Brian Eno’s ‘Together For Palestine’ gig.
The Wembley Arena show has been curated by Brian Eno, Khaled Ziada, Khalid Abdalla and Tracey Seaward where they have aimed to enlist performances from “artists, musicians and people whom silence feels impossible”.
Due to take place on September 17, the first wave of artists was announced earlier this month with the likes of Damon Albarn, Bastille, Greentea Peng, King Krule and many more signing up to appear and perform at the benefit concert.
There was also a wave of Palestinian artists announced to be performing at the show, including Adnan Joubran, Faraj Suleiman and Nai Barghouti.
Legendary producer and organiser of the event, Brian Eno, said that “every penny donated” will go to supporting Palestinian partners through Choose Love, which is a UK charity aimed at “supporting local humanitarians in conflict zones”. However, Eno did also state that it is not only about the financial support, as it is all about “sending a message of love and solidarity to the people of Palestine – they haven’t been forgotten.”
Even more names have now been announced, ranging from a-list actors to trip-hop icons. The likes of Louis Theroux, Benedict Cumberbatch and Guy Pearce will appear at the event, with it currently unclear what performance they will be putting on.
These massive celebrities may be outshone though by the appearance of Holocaust survivor, Stephen Kapos, who is sure to send a powerful message on September 17.
Perhaps the most exciting piece of music news coming from the event is the surprise inclusion of British electronic band Portishead. Although the trip-hop pioneers will not be appearing in person, they have recorded a special one-off performance of their 1994 single ‘Roads’ with a string quarter, which will be aired during the gig.
Many of the newly announced acts have released statements, sharing similar sentiments of horror and condemnation at what is happening in Palestine.
Portishead shared in a press release that they were “incredibly honoured” to stand with Palestine, whilst The Brutalist actor Guy Pearce stated: “I am utterly heartbroken every day witnessing the atrocities inflicted upon the innocent people of Palestine.
“It’s hard not to feel helpless. Being part of this concert will enable me to share my heart with others who also see the injustice in these horrific crimes. More importantly it enables me to show my support for and to the people of Gaza, and all those subjected to this brutal genocide. Hopefully this concert encourages more people to stand up and speak.”
You can find any remaining tickets for the gig on September 17 at OVO Wembley Arena here, with 100% of ticket sales going to the UK charity Choose Love.
