“There is no anti-Semitism in ‘The Wall’ show,” psychedelic rock star Roger Waters fumes, in response to criticisms from the ADL.
Waters, currently touring with his re-creation of Pink Floyd’s classic album, said the national director of the Anti Defamation League should come to the show and see for himself before making “a serious charge” of anti-Semitism.
ADL chief Abraham Foxman objected to an animated video sequence in the “Wall” concert that showed a B-52 bomber dropping stars of David on a ravaged landscape, quickly followed by dollar signs.
“The meaning could easily be misunderstood as a comment about Jews and money,” Foxman said in a statement. … The images he has chosen, when put together in the same sequence, cross a line into anti-Semitism.” The ADL leader called it an “outrageous” juxtaposition that played into the stereotype of money-obsessed Jews.
Other symbols that fall from the bomber during the “Goodbye Blue Sky” segment include a Shell Oil logo, a crucifix and a Muslim crescent. (Video of “The Wall” segment below.)
“There are no hidden meanings in the order or juxtaposition of these symbols,” Waters replied on his web site. “The point I am trying to make in the song is that the bombardment we are all subject to by conflicting religious, political, and economic ideologies only encourages us to turn against one another.”
Rogers said he had never heard of the ADL before Foxman’s public comments.
The rocker has long supported Palestinian rights. He frequently criticized Israel’s barrier around the West Bank during a 2009 tour of Israel. Last summer, he and fellow Pink Floyd leader David Gilmour reunited for an informal show benefiting the Hoping Foundation, which supports Palestinian children and youth in refugee camps.Â
“The Wall” tour began Sept. 15. Most major U.S. and Canadian cities are on the tour schedule, including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Pink Floyd fans of a certain age remember the band touring the double-disc concept LP in 1980. A 40-foot brick wall was constructed during the show, as inflatable animals drifted overhead — including the famed Orwellian pig that resurfaced a few years back in the film “Children of Men.” As the concert concluded, the wall came tumbling down, revealing the band once again.
Waters has said the new production of “The Wall” provides “an allegory for broader concerns: nationalism, racism, sexism, religion.”
Um look its the Wall anyone that has any political issues needs to see a shrink and then go home and not complain…What ever is in the presentation of the 2010 is remarkable Ive seen a dvd done by tapehead and its gorgeous I was overwhelmed The wall is one of the best music works ever made and I first head thanks to Pat Kees in 4th grade in 1979 at 9 or 10 years old
I didn’t interpret that heavy-handed symbolism as being intended to be critical of any social group whatsoever. In many cases, a misinterpretation of content say much about the paranoia of the alleged “victims” (in this case, deluded accusers). as so many people have no link to the artistic spirit. A nonartist does not understand art, necessarily, nor should the legitimate artist be obligated to defend or explain their work, unless they choose to do so. Accusations of “anti-Semitism” are, in this case, the howling, untruthful delusions of paranoid and aging people who would rather invent lies about others than to celebrate their own activity, whatever it may be.
@Jim: Seen Pink Floyd about 15 x since 1970 (amazing live), hung out with them, worked a show in 1971, and interviewed them. Not paranoid, not too old, but I know when I see bullshit! Roger is a control freak, bullied Nick and Rick-RIP!- and was the worst musician in the band, and can only whisper/scream in pitch! Great lyrics and concepts, though!!! His “Dark Side” tour was -except the great Jon Carin-like watching a cover band like Which One’s Pink or other crap. I saw the Wall Goodbye Blue Sky video-which was pointed out in Rolling Stone mag as anti-semitic.! It certainly is! Israeli children get killed on busses and coffee shops innocently and often! No Israeli kids with bombs strapped to them. So, yeah, it IS anti-Semitic-which I’m sure you, Roger, or Dave (arrogant, mean) don’t give a rats ass about! I do, so I won’t see this 4th rate excuse for Pink Floyd! Without Gilmour, it’s no Wall…it’s just a hateful, undignified fence!!!
Roger has freedom of speech.
Great show last month. also. Saw Waters in 84 (with Clapton). Again in 88, 99. All shows were EXCELLENT!!