Barclays pulls out of music festivals amid artist boycotts over Gaza conflict
The 2024 summer festival season has been marked by upheaval as Barclaycs announced its withdrawal from several major music festivals, following widespread artist boycotts protesting the bank's financial ties to the Israeli military. The campaign, led by Bands Boycott Barclays—a coalition of over 1,000 musicians and industry professionals—has highlighted growing concerns over ethical funding in the music industry.
The controversy erupted at The Great Escape festival in Brighton, where 161 artists, including acts like The Menstrual Cramps and Other Half, cancelled their performances. These artists took a stand against Barclaycard's association with companies allegedly involved in supplying weaponry used in Israel's conflict with Gaza. This action mirrored similar protests seen at SXSW in Austin, where artists like Proper., Squirrel Flower, and Okay Shalom withdrew from their showcases over sponsorships with defence companies linked to the Israeli military.
The movement gained further momentum at Latitude and Download festivals, which like The Great Escape are both owned or part-owned by Live Nation, a company that entered a significant partnership with Barclays via its Barclaycard in 2023. This week, the boycott at Download reached a critical point as several bands withdrew from the UK’s largest rock, metal, and punk festival, citing Barclaycard's role as its official payment partner and Barclays financial services to arms companies supplying Israel.
Leeds band Pest Control set the tone, stating:
“We cannot sacrifice the principles held by this band and by the scene we come from and represent, just for personal gain.”
They were followed by punk bands Speed, Scowl, Zulu, and British metalcore band Ithaca, all criticising Barclays for its financial ties to companies linked to the occupation state. This concerted effort has ultimately led to Barclaycard announcing its withdrawal from these high-profile festivals.
Bands Boycott Barclays, the coalition leading the charge, declared:
“This is a victory for the Palestinian-led global BDS movement. As musicians, we were horrified that our music festivals were partnered with Barclays, who are complicit in the genocide in Gaza through investment, loans, and underwriting of arms companies supplying the Israeli military. Hundreds of artists have taken action this summer to make it clear that this is morally reprehensible, and we are glad we have been heard.”
Critics argue that Live Nation, as a major player in the global entertainment industry, has failed in its due diligence to vet ethical partners. The company's alliance with Barclaycard, despite mounting evidence of the bank's investments in military technology implicated in human rights abuses, has sparked outrage from advocacy groups like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and Art Against the Arms Trade.
The collective action by artists highlights a growing movement demanding transparency and responsibility in cultural sponsorships. While some artists acknowledged financial constraints preventing widespread participation in boycotts, their unified stance sends a powerful message to both the financial sector and the entertainment industry.
As the fallout continues to unfold, this unprecedented artist-led boycott is likely to prompt festival organizers worldwide, including Live Nation, to reassess their partnerships and prioritise ethical considerations in future collaborations. This moment of solidarity and collective action marks a significant shift towards accountability and moral integrity within the music industry.
