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Alex McIntyreWest Midlands
A Primal Scream concert has been cancelled over claims antisemitic imagery was shown on stage at a previous gig.
The rock band had been due to perform at the Trentham Live festival at the Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent, on 21 August 2026.
But following criticism of a film screened at a concert in London, the festival’s organiser said it had cancelled the performance as the graphics used did not align with its values.
Primal Scream said the film was a “piece of art” that was meant to provoke debate, not hate.
The film was screened on stage during the band’s performance of Swastika Eyes at a one-off gig at The Roundhouse in Camden last Monday.
It appeared to show the Star of David entwined with a swastika in the eyes of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The slogans “stop genocide” and “free Palestine” were shown on a large screen.
Confirming the Trentham Live cancellation, a spokesperson for Trentham said: “The graphics used at a recent Primal Scream concert do not align with our values. We therefore decided to cancel their performance at Trentham Live 2026.
“While we understand some fans may be disappointed, our priority is ensuring we host an inclusive and fun event for all and we will announce a replacement headliner for the Friday night.”
Ticketmaster has contacted fans who bought tickets to tell them organisers had cancelled the band’s appearance.
‘Totally inexcusable’
Following the London gig, Primal Scream were reported to the Metropolitan Police by the Community Security Trust, which claimed the video risked “encouraging hatred of Jews”.
It was also condemned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which described the video as “sickening and totally inexcusable”.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said the report was being assessed by officers.
Managers of the venue said they deeply regretted that the “highly offensive” graphics were displayed, adding that it was done entirely without their knowledge.
A statement on Primal Scream’s Instagram page said: “The film is a piece of art. It clearly draws from history to question where the actions of current world governments sit in that context.
“It is meant to provoke debate, not hate. In a free, pluralistic and liberal society, freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.”
The BBC previously contacted Primal Scream for further comment.
