Boy George splits from label manager over pro-Israel song
Music executive was ‘gutless’ in blocking release of controversial track, says singer
Boy George has split from the manager of his record label after he refused to release his controversial pro-Israel song.
On Saturday, the singer confirmed on social media that he had parted ways with Tony Pontius, calling the executive, who had run his record label, BGP, for several years, “gutless”.
“I wanted to release We Will Dance Again, but he [Pontius] was unequivocal and said, ‘I want nothing to do with this song’, and I responded, ‘ok, we are done’,” the former Culture Club front man wrote on X.
“When someone is gutless, it really does not hurt to say goodbye. My faith in humanity will not diminish and the truth will always win. I will release it!”
Boy George's statement on X
Pontius, an electronic music DJ, has yet to respond to George’s statement.
Boy George, who is not Jewish, has championed Jewish causes in recent years, saying his position had resulted in him “losing a few people from my life” and insisting artists should be free to express their views even when they are unpopular.
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His latest song addresses the Hamas massacre of partygoers at the Nova Musical Festival on Oct 7, 2023, and voices support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
The opening lyrics are: “You say genocide, I saw war / When you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s for / Does it get ugly? You bet it does / When I know you wanna kill every last one of us.”
The track’s title is an expression Israelis have repeatedly used to express their hopes for the future following the massacre. Its lyrics include a line saying festival goers were “murder[ed] … for the crime of dancing”.
Boy George's new song was welcomed by some when he posted it on social media
The new song was welcomed by some when he posted it on social media
Days after posting the new song on social media channels, the singer pulled out of a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
He was one of several stars who were due to rotate in the role of King Herod in the production, which opens on Monday.
Paul Kelmsley, Boy George’s manager, revealed in a statement on Instagram that he would no longer appear.
“George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that,” Mr Kelmsley said.
“Equally, I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others.
“In this instance, I felt it was right to step aside, allowing the production to remain the focus, while ensuring everyone involved can move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.”
Boy George has split from the manager of his record label after he refused to release his controversial pro-Israel song.
On Saturday, the singer confirmed on social media that he had parted ways with Tony Pontius, calling the executive, who had run his record label, BGP, for several years, “gutless”.
“I wanted to release We Will Dance Again, but he [Pontius] was unequivocal and said, ‘I want nothing to do with this song’, and I responded, ‘ok, we are done’,” the former Culture Club front man wrote on X.
“When someone is gutless, it really does not hurt to say goodbye. My faith in humanity will not diminish and the truth will always win. I will release it!”
Boy George's statement on X
Pontius, an electronic music DJ, has yet to respond to George’s statement.
Boy George, who is not Jewish, has championed Jewish causes in recent years, saying his position had resulted in him “losing a few people from my life” and insisting artists should be free to express their views even when they are unpopular.
Advertisement
His latest song addresses the Hamas massacre of partygoers at the Nova Musical Festival on Oct 7, 2023, and voices support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
The opening lyrics are: “You say genocide, I saw war / When you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s for / Does it get ugly? You bet it does / When I know you wanna kill every last one of us.”
The track’s title is an expression Israelis have repeatedly used to express their hopes for the future following the massacre. Its lyrics include a line saying festival goers were “murder[ed] … for the crime of dancing”.
Boy George's new song was welcomed by some when he posted it on social media
The new song was welcomed by some when he posted it on social media
Days after posting the new song on social media channels, the singer pulled out of a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
He was one of several stars who were due to rotate in the role of King Herod in the production, which opens on Monday.
Paul Kelmsley, Boy George’s manager, revealed in a statement on Instagram that he would no longer appear.
“George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that,” Mr Kelmsley said.
“Equally, I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others.
“In this instance, I felt it was right to step aside, allowing the production to remain the focus, while ensuring everyone involved can move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.”
46-50, M
