Primal Scream have stated that a video shown at a recent London gig, featuring imagery branded antisemitic, was intended to "provoke debate, not hate".
The Scottish rock band was reported to police following their Monday performance, where the controversial footage appeared to depict the Star of David entwined with a swastika.
The group have since responded in a statement shared on the band’s Instagram page on Friday which said: “The film is a piece of art.
“It clearly draws from history to question where the actions of current world governments sit in that context. It is meant to provoke debate, not hate.
“In a free, pluralistic and liberal society freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.”
Camden-based venue Roundhouse has already apologised to fans and in a statement said it “deeply regret[ted]” that the “highly offensive” graphics were displayed, adding it was done entirely without their knowledge.
“We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologise to anyone who attended the gig, and to the wider Jewish community.
“The content, which was used entirely without our knowledge, stands against all of our values.”
The spokesperson said that Roundhouse “absolutely condemns antisemitism in every form”.
“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and remain committed to ensuring that our spaces are places where everyone feels secure, respected and valued.”
Primal Scream, founded by frontman Bobby Gillespie in 1982, were performing a 25-year anniversary show for their album XTRMNTR.
As the group performed Swastika Eyes, pictures of political figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared behind them, showing what appeared to be the Star of David combined with a swastika in their eyes.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said it had reported the group to police and called on the venue to carry out an “urgent investigation”.
In a statement, a CST spokesperson said: “Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.
“There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened, and we have reported this to the police.”
The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “The Nazi swastika represents the ideology that inspired people to industrially slaughter six million innocent Jewish men, women and children by bullet, gas and any other means available.
“To visually combine that with the Star of David – the pre-eminent symbol of Judaism – is absolutely sickening and totally inexcusable.
“This isn’t art. This isn’t edgy. This isn’t political statement. It is unadulterated hatred and a clear breach of the international definition of antisemitism.
“We will be writing to the Camden Roundhouse and our legal team is examining the footage to consider further steps.
“Racism should have no place in the arts, but depressingly it is finding a very welcoming home there.”
Stanley Baxter death: Comedian known for bold impersonations, dies aged 99
London venue ‘appalled’ by Primal Scream’s alleged antisemitic imagery at concert
The biggest talking points from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour docuseries
Meghan Markle shares her love letter to Harry in Netflix Christmas special
Timothée Chalamet has cryptic response when asked if he’s British rapper EsDeeKid
Chrissie Hynde ‘regretted’ Friends cameo opposite Lisa Kudrow
