Primal Scream gig axed after band reported to police for 'highly offensive' imagery
Primal Scream have been dealt a fresh blow as their 2026 festival gig has been yanked following the use of 'highly offensive' imagery at their recent London gig.
Primal Scream's Trentham Live 2026 headline slot has reportedly been pulled after the band was reported to the Metropolitan Police following their performance at the Roundhouse in London last week.
During Bobby Gillespie and co's rendition of Swastika Eyes — a track from their 2000 album XTRMNTR — visuals were projected behind the group that appeared to depict the Star of David entwined with a swastika. The symbol was then shown over the eyes of political figures including Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation, with the Roundhouse stressing that the imagery was used without its prior knowledge or approval. The matter is now in the hands of the Metropolitan Police, who were formally notified by The Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation offering support to Jewish communities in the UK.
The band later responded in a social media post, arguing: “The film is a piece of art. It clearly draws from history to question where the actions of current world governments sit in that context. It is meant to provoke debate, not hate. In a free, pluralistic and liberal society freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.”
A week later, the group have faced another blow as the organisers of the Staffordshire festival have seemingly pulled the plug on their performance on August 21, 2026, with refunds offered.
Ticketmaster sent the following notice to ticketholders: "The event organiser has asked us to share the following information: We are contacting you to let you know that we have taken the decision to cancel Primal Scream's upcoming appearance at Trentham Live 2026. This decision follows recent reports of imagery used elsewhere by the band that we do not endorse. Trentham are committed to ensuring that our event is a safe, respectful and inclusive place for all and we will announce a replacement headliner for the Friday night. You will receive an automatic refund on your original method of payment within 14 to 21 days depending on your bank's processing time."
A CST spokesperson had said: “Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.
“There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened, and we have reported this to the police.”
The Roundhouse issued a full statement in response to the incident: “We are appalled that antisemitic imagery was displayed during a Primal Scream gig on Monday 8th December at the Roundhouse.
"We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologise to anyone who attended the gig, and to the wider Jewish community.
"The content, which was used entirely without our knowledge, stands against all of our values.”
The venue continued :“Acts of hatred, discrimination or prejudice of any kind are entirely unacceptable and have no place in our community or spaces.
"The safety of our staff and gig-going audiences remains of paramount importance to us.
We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and remain committed to ensuring that our spaces are places where everyone feels secure, respected and valued.”
