Brian Eno is executive producing a benefit concert for Palestinians affected by Israel’s ongoing military assault in Gaza.
It will take place at London’s Wembley Arena on Wednesday, September 17, with a lineup that is yet to be announced. Eno has described the event as “a night of music, reflection and hope”. Tickets will be made available from 10am BST on August 4. Khaled Ziada, Khalid Abdalla and Tracey Seaward have organised the gig alongside Eno.
Announcing the event, the UK musician said: “I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s most remarkable artists for over 50 years. But one of my biggest regrets is that during that time so many of us have remained silent about Palestine.
“Often that silence has come from fear – real fear – that speaking out could provoke a backlash, close doors or end a career. But that’s now changing – partly because some artists and activists have lit the path, but mostly because the truth of what’s going on has become impossible to ignore.
“What we are witnessing in Gaza isn’t a mystery, and neither is it a blur of competing narratives making it ‘hard to understand’. When dozens of non-partisan organisations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders describe it as genocide, the moral line is clear.
“We can’t remain silent. Which is why I’m helping to organise Together For Palestine – a night of music, reflection and hope at Wembley Arena on 17th September. My sincere belief is that this evening can become a moment of courage where artists come together to speak the truth in their hearts – which is what we trust artists to do. Whether on stage or by video from around the world, this is a chance for us to stand together and say: this can’t continue.”
All donations will be directed towards the Palestinian people via Choose Love, a charity supporting local humanitarian organisations in conflict zones. Eno added that the event “is about more than just money”, however.
“It’s about sending a message of love and solidarity to the people of Palestine – that they haven’t been forgotten,” he said. “We see them, we hear them, and though we may be far away, we’re deeply connected – as we are to all humanity.”
