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Fans have reacted to an anti-war speech which was delivered by Eddie Vedder last week during Pearl Jam’s show at Milton Keynes Bowl (July 11).
His words have angered Israeli fans of the band, who believe his comments were made in support of the Free Palestine campaign, reports Spin. The Jerusalem Post has branded the speech an “anti-Israel diatribe” and fans of the band have taken to Vedder’s Facebook to both support and condone his comments. On fan wrote: “He broke my heart… speak[ing] so irresponsibly about things and situations he knows nothing about. Now every time I listen to his CD’s in my car, there is bitterness that goes along with the music.” However, another stated: “It is a truly sad day when a man gets abuse for speaking out against murder and bloodshed.”
Speaking on stage during the three hour long gig, Vedder commented: “I swear to fucking God, there are people out there who are looking for a reason to kill! They’re looking for a reason to go across borders and take over land that doesn’t belong to them. They should get the fuck out, and mind their own fucking business.”
Vedder continued: “Everyone wants the same goddamn thing: to have our children, eat, procreate, draw a painting, make some art, listen to music, fuck some more, have another baby, eat, work, eat, work, love, love, love, everyone’s the fucking same! So why are people at war? Stop the fucking shit, now! Now! Now! We don’t want to give them our money. We don’t want to give them our taxes to drop bombs on children! Now! No more! Now!” Vedder then sang Edwin Starr’s anti-war song ‘War’.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse have cancelled a gig in Israel due to the “current security situation” in the country. The band were due to perform in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on July 17 but the gig will no longer take place. A statement issued claims that Young and his band will return to Israel when the country is at peace with Palestine.