Egypt: Calls to cancel planned Scorpions concert for 'supporting Israel'
Social media users in Egypt are calling for the cancellation of a Scorpions concert after the German rock band said on Thursday that they would be performing in Cairo as part of a 60th anniversary world tour.
The announcement of the concert, due to take place at the New Administrative Capital on 15 October, sparked widespread condemnation, with many Egyptians accusing the band of supporting Israel and ignoring the plight of Palestinians under bombardment in Gaza.
"After the 7th of October 2023, Scorpions openly declared their support for the Israeli occupation... They chose to side with the occupier while ignoring the brutal invasion of Gaza and the genocide that continues to slaughter innocent children and women every single day," posted one user on Instagram, referring to the band's 13 October 2023 post expressing shock at the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel and concern for Israeli captives and their families.
Many social media users said they would have also liked to see the band show solidarity with Palestinian victims of Israel's war.
Other users cited photos and videos showing band members waving the Israeli flag during some of their previous performances.
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Translation: The Scorpions band? A band that used to raise the Israeli entity's flag.. standing and singing over the blood of the afflicted.. and you want to celebrate them in Egypt?! This band is not neutral, and not “art for art’s sake” as you claim.. #Cancel_Scorpions_Concert_in_Egypt
“This band is not neutral, and not 'art for art’s sake',” a user wrote on X.
Middle East Eye has reached out to the Scorpions for comment.
'Not welcome in Eygpt'
Some users demanded explanations from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which is sponsoring the event.
Using the hashtag #cancelScorpions on Facebook, a user wrote: “To the Minister of Tourism, how could you agree to organise this concert?! And the head of the Musicians Syndicate, Mustafa Kamel, who cancelled the Travis Scott concert to 'preserve Egyptian customs and traditions'. Where are you now regarding the Scorpions concert?"
Others interpreted the concert as a symbol of the "normalisation" of relations between Egypt and Israel.
"Hosting the Scorpions in Cairo is not just another concert - it is an act of normalization, especially during a time when the Gaza Strip and West Bank are enduring relentless assaults," wrote a music manager in an article for a rock magazine.
"Instead of welcoming artists who normalize apartheid through entertainment, Egypt should be promoting voices of justice, resistance, and cultural integrity," he continued.
An X user said: "Decades after the Egypt-Israel peace agreement, the Egyptian people still reject any form of normalisation. A German band that supports Israel is not welcome in Egypt."
The event is co-organised by the Dubai-based Live Nation Entertainment group and Egypt’s Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD).
Live Nation Entertainment and ACUD announced a partnership in February, along with ticketing company TicketsMarche, with the aim of promoting Egypt’s New Capital and attracting global entertainment events.
If it goes ahead, this will be the Scorpions' second concert in Egypt, following their first visit in 2005.
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