Brian Eno announces Palestine fundraiser concert at Wembley Arena

Brian Eno has announced a one-off concert at London’s Wembley Arena, bringing together artists, musicians and cultural figures ​“for whom silence feels impossible” on the subject of Palestine.

Set to take place on 17 September, Together for Palestine will be executive produced by Eno alongside Khaled Ziada, Khalid Abdalla and Tracey Seaward. The full line-up is yet to be revealed, but the event will feature performances both on stage and via video from around the world.

In a statement on Instagram, the British composer and ambient music pioneer described the concert as ​“a night of music, reflection and hope” and said he hoped it would be a ​“moment of courage where artists come together to speak the truth in their hearts.”

• Read next: Sakir Khader’s wrenching, resilient portrait of Palestinian life

He acknowledged the fear that has often kept artists silent – ​“real fear… that speaking out could provoke a backlash, close doors or end a career” – but said that silence is starting to break: ​“Partly because some artists and activists have lit the path, but mostly because the truth of what’s going on has become impossible to ignore.

“What we are witnessing in Gaza isn’t a mystery, and neither is it a blur of competing narratives making it ​‘hard to understand’,” he continued. ​“When dozens of non-partisan organisations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders describe it as genocide, the moral line is clear.”

The Roxy Music co-founder confirmed that ​“every penny donated” will go to Palestinian partners through the UK charity Choose Love, which supports local humanitarians in conflict zones. But he emphasised that the event is about more than fundraising: ​“It’s about sending a message of love and solidarity to the people of Palestine – that they haven’t been forgotten. We see them, we hear them, and though we may be far away, we’re deeply connected – as we are to all humanity.”

• Read next: A reading of the names of children killed in Gaza lasts over 18 hours

A long-standing activist as well as a producer, Eno has frequently used his platform to speak out on Palestine. Earlier this year, he pledged to donate his Windows 95 chime fee to Gaza and urged Microsoft to cut ties with Israel. He also co-signed an open letter calling on Field Day festival to sever links with its parent company over investments in Israeli infrastructure.

In 2023, he joined Nadine Shah and Maxine Peake at a Union Chapel benefit show and took part in Voices for Gaza alongside members of R.E.M., Fontaines D.C. and Bastille. Most recently, he supported Massive Attack’s call for greater solidarity within the music industry.

In his announcement, he said: ​“Whether on stage or by video from around the world, this is a chance for us to stand together and say: this can’t continue.”

Tickets go on sale Monday, August 4 at 10am BST, with further line-up details to follow.

Ella Glossop is Huck’s social lead. Follow her on Bluesky.

Buy your copy of Huck 81 here.

Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.

Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck.