Radiohead star Johnny Greenwood is rushed to intensive care after falling ‘seriously ill’ as European leg of his tour is cancelled

Radiohead star Jonny Greenwood was rushed to intensive care after a serious illness.

The musician was forced to cancel the European leg of his tour with The Smile, his rock group featuring fellow Radiohead star Thom Yorke.

The 52-year-old British musician, keyboardist and composer toured with The Smile alongside Thom and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner.

The Smile said in a statement that Greenwood, who was born in Oxford, was “seriously ill” and would “return home shortly”, but doctors had advised him to rest.

The band has confirmed that all ticket holders will receive a refund at the point of purchase.

A statement from The Smile on X said: ‘A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill with an infection that required him to be rushed to hospital, part of which was spent in intensive care.

The 52-year-old musician (left) toured as part of The Smile with fellow Radiohead singer Thom Yorke (right) and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner (center).

“Thankfully he is now out of danger and will be returning home shortly. We have been instructed by the medical team responsible for Jonny’s care to cancel all appointments until he has had time to fully recover.”

‘Therefore the smile tour of Europe in August is cancelled. Refunds for headline shows are available via your ticket provider.

‘We all wish Jonny a speedy recovery.’

The band has released two UK top 10 albums: A Light For Attracting Attention and Wall Of Eyes.

The Smile’s sound has been compared to that of Radiohead, but with more influences from Krautrock, a form of German experimental music, and jazz.

The band was scheduled to perform in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Poland next month.

Last month, the group was boycotted after being accused of “ruining” the Gaza genocide by performing in Israel.

The band shared the stage with Israeli rock star Dudu Tassa at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club on May 26, but was subsequently criticized by Palestinian activists over the conflict in the region.

A statement from The Smile said Greenwood, who was born in Oxford, was “seriously ill” and “expected to return home soon” but that doctors had advised him to rest (pictured in June)

A statement from The Smile on X said: ‘A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill with an infection that required him to be rushed to hospital, part of which was spent in intensive care.

Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS), an organization that supports Gazans in their fight against the Israeli government, said the musicians had engaged in “shameful artwashing” – a term used to indicate that controversial actions can be trivialized by using artists.

BDS is now calling on its supporters to disrupt Radiohead’s planned tour of Europe, as they plan to perform with Mr Tassa.

Guitarist Jonny denied the accusation, stating that their performance in Tel Aviv featured many Arabic love songs from their 2023 album, and was intended to promote harmony between Israelis and Palestinians.

BDS’s powerful statement read: “Palestinians unequivocally condemn Jonny Greenwood’s shameful artwashing of the Israeli genocide.”

Last month, the group faced a boycott after being accused of ‘artwashing the Gaza genocide’ by performing in Israel. Jonny (left) and Thom (foreground) pictured with Israeli singer Dudu Tassa (right)

Jonny is married to Israeli visual artist Sharona Katan (pictured together in 2018)

Jonny has released a statement in response to calls to boycott Radiohead

But this elicited a heartfelt response from the musician who said: “I think an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians is worthwhile.”

He added: ‘“Silencing Israeli filmmakers, musicians and dancers when their work tours abroad…feels unprogressive to me.”

‘Not least because these people are invariably the most progressive members of any society.’