Roger Waters May Lose Millions Because Of His Anti-Israel Views

Roger Waters

One of the most famous songs by Pink Floyd is called ‘Money’, featured on one of their most famous albums, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. Roger Waters, one of the creative sources behind the group, will return to North America this coming spring-summer-fall with ‘US + Them’, a massive 42-date tour… however he may have already lost some money.

During Desert Trip, the Oldchella which gathered all the rock giants in one place and one weekend, Waters became very political, and beside bashing the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump with giant pig balloons, he also had a few harsh words against Israel:

‘I’m not going to allow this moment to pass,’ said Waters according to the Washington Times. ‘I didn’t last Sunday, and I’m not going to let it pass now without … giving my love to my brothers and sisters … who are standing up for their brothers and sisters in Palestine and supporting the BDS ( Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement.’

‘I encourage the government in Israel to end the occupation,’ Waters said to the audience, before singing his final medley, ‘Comfortably Numb.’ There’s nothing new there, he was just reaffirming his support to Palestine, a few years ago, he even asked for a boycott of Israel, and in a 2013 concert in Brussels, he performed on a stage featuring a giant pig balloon emblazoned with a Star of David! He was called ‘an open hater of Jews’ by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

However his opinion is costing him money, and a lot of it. American Express, which was allegedly asked to sponsor his upcoming huge tour for $4 million, has decided to pull out the money, because the company ‘doesn’t want to be part of his anti-Israel rhetoric,’ said an America Express source.

At least this is what are reporting different sources from Times of Israel, to Fox News, but it is not clear whether American Express was sponsoring the tour in the first place as a spokeswoman for AmEx added: ‘We never committed to sponsoring Roger Waters’ upcoming tour. When we were approached with the options, we passed on making a bid.’

All the big shows from Ariana Grande, to Beyoncé and Kanye West are sponsored by American Express, I would say that all the big pop-rock shows at the Staples Center here in Los Angeles are sponsored by American Express, so I find it a bit suspicious that they would pass. May be comments like those reported by the Independent are too disturbing for the company – Waters likened Israeli treatment of Palestinians to apartheid South Africa.

The situation over there is very complex and many people (like me) are far from being aware of every part of it, but, if this story is verified, you just have to admire Roger Waters to stand up for his opinion, despite the financial loss.