I am always pleasantly surprised when someone in the world of entertainment says something sensible about Islam — see John Cleese — or about Israel, about whom see Bob Dylan and his song “Neighborhood Bully” and… just now, Boy George.
More on George Alan O’Dowd, known to the world as Boy George, and his very un-Irish support for Israel, can be found here: “A man with conviction: Boy George posts support for Israel on X,” by Hannah Brown, Jerusalem Post, April 9, 2026:
…Boy George wrote, “It’s very trendy to hate Israel, but I have always said ‘fashion for the fragile, style for the brave,’” alongside a photo of himself with the group Culture Club from the 1980s….
Boy George, whose real name is George Alan O’Dowd, has performed in Israel several times, both as a solo artist and with Culture Club. In 2024, he was among over 400 artists and celebrities who signed an open letter in support of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
When a clip of Lady Gaga performing in Israel a decade ago and proclaiming her love for the country was reposted recently, she came in for a great deal of criticism, but Boy George came to her defense, writing on X: “I love Israel too. Blaming an entire people is moronic. You can be against war and still love humanity. Good for her. She loves her Israeli fans. Like I do. Some of them were probably killed on Oct 7th. I have DJ’d in Tel Aviv a number of times. I hope I will in the future!”…
I have never heard a song by Boy George or by Lady Gaga, but you know, maybe now I will.
Another singer who wittily defends Israel is Bob Dylan, with his song about the Jewish state, “Neighborhood Bully.” You can hear him sing it right here.
Peter says
Hi Robert,
I thought i’d also bring to your attention another singer who is pro Israel, and also cool as f*ck. His name is Morrissey , ex frontman of the Smiths, one of the most influential bands in pop music, from Manchester, England. On his album “Low in High School” he penned a song called “Israel” – a tribute to a nation he loves. He also performed in Tel Aviv despite pressure from the music industry and other woke artists.
He has (totally unsurprisingly been accused numerous times of being a racist , and all the usual stuff. Please check him out.
gravenimage says
Thanks, Peter!
Cynthia says
I have boycotted Pink Floyd and will listen to more BoyGeorge, Lady Gaga and Bob Dylan all great artists!
Good to hear there are some few who buck the trend and have some moral fiber.
Adrian Fegan says
But didn’t Bob Dylan also make some comments that render him a dick to most readers here ?
I can’t remember what exactly but I do remember thinking OMG not Zimmerman as well
Taffy says
Roger Waters is a POS! He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, he is not an ignoramus, so he should know better. I am still ata loss as to what caused him to rail to the left against Israel and become pro-Hamas and PA.
David Gilmour does not share his views. Gilmour’s wife actually called out Waters on his antisemitism (among other things).
Alkflaeda says
Good for him. Not into pop music, but nice to hear of a celebrity who did not have a lobotomy en route to stardom.
Alkflaeda says
PS Here is a link to the open letter mentioned in the article, if anyone wants to make a point of buying the creations of pr-Israel artistes https://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/blog/2024/02/14/eurovisionccfp2024/
biii says
I never thought the day woulld come when I would support BG or Gaga for that matter, but all credit to them and any artist who stands up for Israel. We hear a lot about the holliwood ‘stars’ being anti Israel and not enough about the show biz people who support Israel. I applaud their courage
gravenimage says
In That Corner, Kanye West, and in This… Boy George
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Great to hear!