Primal Scream Reported to Police Over Antisemitic Imagery

Scottish rock band Primal Scream has been reported to the Metropolitan Police following accusations of displaying antisemitic imagery during a performance at the Roundhouse in Camden on December 8, 2025.

The incident occurred during a special 25th-anniversary show for the band's 2000 album XTRMNTR. While performing the track "Swastika Eyes," originally a critique of authoritarianism and fascism, a video projection featured footage of destruction in Gaza, interspersed with images of world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and President Donald Trump. The contentious element: an animation superimposing a swastika inside or entwined with a Star of David, placed over the eyes of these figures. The video concluded with slogans such as "stop genocide," "free Palestine," and "our government is complicit in genocide."

The Community Security Trust (CST), a UK charity providing security and support for the Jewish community, condemned the visuals as "grossly antisemitic." A CST spokesperson stated: "Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews." The organization reported the band to police on December 10, prompting an assessment by officers to determine if any offenses, such as incitement to hatred, were committed.The Campaign Against Antisemitism echoed this, calling the imagery "unadulterated hatred" and a "clear breach of the international definition of antisemitism," noting it equates Jewish symbolism with Nazi ideology.

The Roundhouse venue issued a strong apology, stating it was "appalled that antisemitic imagery was displayed" without their knowledge. "The content stands against all of our values," a spokesperson said. "We absolutely condemn antisemitism in every form and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community."

Primal Scream defended the video in statements on social media, describing it as "a piece of art" intended to "provoke debate, not hate." Frontman Bobby Gillespie and the band have a history of political activism, including vocal criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and support for Palestinian causes.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed receipt of the report and are reviewing the footage. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.