Primal Scream Backlash

Rock band Primal Scream are facing police scrutiny after being accused of using antisemitic imagery during a London concert marking a milestone in their career.

The controversy centres on visuals shown during a one-off performance at Camden’s Roundhouse on Monday, where the band played their 2000 track Swastika Eyes. Footage from the show appears to show the Star of David merged with a swastika on a large screen behind the group.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which supports and protects Jewish communities across the UK, has formally reported the incident to police and urged an investigation into how the imagery was approved and displayed. A CST spokesperson said the symbolism was deeply offensive, stating that “entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.”

The band were performing as part of a 25th anniversary celebration of their album XTRMNTR, with the visuals reportedly appearing alongside images of world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Roundhouse has since issued an apology, distancing itself from the content and saying it had no prior knowledge of the graphics used during the performance. The venue said it condemns antisemitism unequivocally and is reviewing how the incident occurred.

Primal Scream, formed in 1982 and fronted by Bobby Gillespie, have not yet commented publicly on the allegations. The Metropolitan Police have also been contacted for a response as enquiries continue.