Over 50 artists cancel appearances at major Spanish festivals amid concerns about financial links to Israel through investors
What’s Happening
More than 50 artists and collectives are refusing to perform at big Spanish music festivals like Sónar, Vina Rock, Resurrection Fest, and Monegros Desert Festival. Their protest is sparked by Superstruct Entertainment, which owns these festivals, being acquired by investment firm KKR, which has financial ties to entities operating in Israeli-occupied territories.
Reason for the Boycott
The concern centers on KKR’s associations: the firm is linked to investment operations and companies that list real-estate ads in contentious regions like East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. Artists and audience members are now questioning whether festival revenues indirectly support or legitimize these contentious property interests.
Festival Responses
Festival organizers have pushed back, stating that the partnerships or ownership changes have not altered their programming, values, or operations. Sónar, for example, stressed that it maintains editorial and operational independence, and that KKR has no control over artistic decisions. Still, many believe these reassurances are insufficient.
Public Pressure and Wider Impacts
The boycott movement has gained traction among general public and social media. Many users have demanded clarity on where festival money goes and whether attending such events conflicts with ethical or political values. Refunds are being requested and offered in some cases. The issue is also fueling broader discussions across Europe about the relationship between art, politics, and finance.
