Boy George says he could fire members of Culture Club if they refuse to perform his song “We Will Dance Again,” according to NME.
The track has sparked debate since its release last month, with critics objecting to its apparent rejection of claims that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide, as well as its criticism of musicians who have voiced support for Palestine. George has said the song was inspired by his visit to the Nova Music Festival Exhibition in London and meetings with people affected by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
In recent weeks, George has also pulled out of a two-week run at the London Palladium, where he was due to play King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, and split with his record label manager after that person refused to release the song. He has also argued with Bandcamp over the track.
Posting on Instagram, George said some people in his band were questioning whether they would perform the song with him, and he warned that those who refused would be fired. He also said the song was meant to be “pro-peace” and defended his use of AI, saying it helped remove human interference from his creative process.
George’s bandmates have not publicly responded. The song has been condemned by Heaven 17 and The Human League co-founder Martyn Ware, while actor Patrick Clanton, who worked with George in Moulin Rouge!, also said he was embarrassed to have worked with him.
