In a dramatic turn of events, the hardcore band Dying Wish has issued an ultimatum to the organizers of Download Festival XXI, set to commence at Donnington Park in Leicestershire, England. The band has threatened to withdraw from the festival unless Barclays Bank, a controversial sponsor with alleged ties to the Israeli military, is removed. This bold stance comes just hours before the festival’s opening, adding a layer of tension to what is typically a highly anticipated event for metal music enthusiasts.
Earlier today, Dying Wish took to social media to make their demands clear. They stated unequivocally that they “will not be involved” with the festival if Barclays remains a sponsor. The band’s post read, “Either Download will drop the Barclays sponsorship or we will be dropping the festival. We will not be involved without it. We appreciate your patience over the last few days as we sort this out. Shout out to every band and person involved in the boycott and FREE PALESTINE.”
The controversy centers around Barclays Bank’s alleged financial involvement with companies that supply weapons and technology to the Israeli military. This has sparked outrage among several bands and activists, who accuse the bank of indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The situation has escalated to the point where Dying Wish, along with other bands like Scowl, Pest Control, Ithaca, Speed, and Zulu, are prepared to boycott the festival if their demands are not met.
Pest Control, one of the bands that has already pulled out, issued a statement explaining their decision. They accused Barclays of overseeing “billions of dollars in investments and loans to companies whose weapons and technology are used in Israel’s onslaught against the Palestinian people.” This sentiment is echoed by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Bands Boycott Barclays, both of which have been vocal in their opposition to Barclays’ involvement in various music festivals.
Adding to the confusion, there were unconfirmed reports that Tom Morello, the renowned guitarist, announced during a London show that Barclays had decided to withdraw from the festival on its own. However, this has not been verified, and the festival organizers have yet to issue an official response. Interestingly, the Barclays logo was briefly removed from the festival’s website earlier today, only to be reinstated a few hours later, further fueling speculation and uncertainty.
The boycott movement has gained significant traction, with many bands and fans rallying behind the cause. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Bands Boycott Barclays have previously targeted other festivals, including The Great Escape, Isle of Wight Festival, Camp Bestival, and Latitude Festival, with varying degrees of success. Their efforts are part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to hold accountable those who are perceived to be complicit in the violence.
According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, more than 40,000 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes and bombardments since last October, following a terrorist attack by Hamas on a music festival near the Israel-Gaza border. The attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and has been met with widespread condemnation. However, the subsequent military response by Israel has also drawn criticism for its disproportionate impact on civilians, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 2 million people.
As the clock ticks down to the start of Download Festival XXI, the situation remains fluid. The festival organizers are under immense pressure to address the concerns raised by Dying Wish and other bands. The potential fallout from this controversy could have significant implications for the festival and its reputation within the music community.
For now, all eyes are on Donnington Park as fans and bands alike await the festival’s response. The outcome of this standoff will likely set a precedent for how music festivals handle sponsorship controversies in the future. As the festival’s opening day approaches, the tension is palpable, and the stakes are high. Whether Download Festival will acquiesce to the demands of Dying Wish and their supporters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of music, politics, and activism is more pronounced than ever.
