Primal Scream reported to police over alleged antisemitic imagery

Rock band Primal Scream have been accused of displaying “grossly antisemitic” imagery at a concert in London.

The Community Security Trust said it had reported the Scottish group to police after a video was screened on stage on Monday which appeared to show the Star of David entwined with a swastika.

A backdrop showing the graphics appeared behind the band as they performed their 2000 song Swastika Eyes during the one-off gig at the Roundhouse in Camden.

The CST, which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said it was “appalled” and called on the venue to carry out an “urgent investigation”.

In a statement shared with the Press Association, a spokesperson said: “Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.

“There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened and we have reported this to the police.”

The band, founded by frontman Bobby Gillespie in 1982, were performing a 25-year anniversary show for their album XTRMNTR.

As the group performed Swastika Eyes, pictures of political figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared behind them, showing what appeared to be the Star of David combined with a swastika in their eyes.

A spokesperson for the Roundhouse saod: “We are appalled that antisemitic imagery was displayed during a Primal Scream gig on Monday December 8 at the Roundhouse.

“We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologise to anyone who attended the gig, and to the wider Jewish community.

“The content, which was used entirely without our knowledge, stands against all of our values.”

The spokesperson said that Roundhouse “absolutely condemns antisemitism in every form”.

They added: “Acts of hatred, discrimination or prejudice of any kind are entirely unacceptable and have no place in our community or spaces.

“The safety of our staff and gig-going audiences remains of paramount importance to us.

“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and remain committed to ensuring that our spaces are places where everyone feels secure, respected and valued.”

Primal Scream have been approached for comment.