Scottish musician releases song on Israel's 'war crimes' in Gaza
Doug Veitch, a "cult hero" from the 1980s based in the Scottish Borders – known then as Champion Doug Veitch – has recorded a new single titled War Crimes, denouncing Israel's assault on Gaza.
It comes as charity Oxfam warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was at an "all-time low" as a result of Israel's blockade of aid, which has also seen the World Central Kitchen forced to shut its community soup kitchens.
READ MORE: Israel 'sending soldiers to commit war crimes in Gaza', says former army chief
'It came about as a result of my increasing anger and feeling of hopelessness over events in Gaza, media coverage and support of the Israeli regime proffered by politicians at both a local and national level,' Veitch told The National.
He said that he was warned creating the single and speaking out on Israel's war on Gaza would be 'career suicide', but he persevered.
The single took a year to complete and was recorded in Coventry and Leamington in England.
It features several familiar faces, including Martin Bell of the Wonder Stuff, who helped to arrange and produce the single, as well as Horice Panter from The Specials, who played bass.
Horace Panter (Image: Doug Veitch) Louis Vause (Image: Doug Veitch) Drums were by Rick Medlock, on the piano was Louis Vause (above), saxophone and clarinet were done by Dan Hillman, trumpet was by Josh Westrip, Martin Bell was on guitar, lap steel and keyboards, and backing vocals were done by Cara McNeil and Heather Ritchie-Parker.
The CD also features a second single, If I Must Die, which is a rendition of a poem by the same name by Palestinian writer Refaat Alareer, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in December 2023 along with his brother, his brother's son, his sister and her three children.
READ MORE: Humanitarian crisis in Gaza at 'all-time low', warns aid charity
Renowned piper Allan MacDonald features on the track, alongside Neil Johnstone on the cello and Monica Madas on backing vocals.
Veitch said that he hopes all proceeds from the single can be donated to charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), as he called out silence from politicians and the UK media on Israel's assault on Gaza.
(Image: Doug Veitch) He condemned Keir Starmer's failure to condemn war crimes and genocide were taking place in Gaza, as he said: 'It's hard to believe that not only is he a Labour Prime Minister but has a background in law.'
He added: 'Many of Jewish faith, including Rabbis, have criticised the current actions of Israel.
'The mainstream media – including the BBC – have largely chosen to ignore covering this.
'In recording War Crimes I hope to show that not everyone shares the views of media, government and a large section of the population, many of whom will know nothing of the background to the current situation.'
READ MORE: David Lammy 'must explain if he misled us on Israel arms exports', MPs say
Veitch added that while the single hadn't received much coverage – which he presumed was because 'the content was deemed unsuitable' – he believed that public opinion was 'slowly changing'.
'History will not look back kindly on the leaders who turned a blind eye on crimes against humanity amounting to genocide,' he said.
Veitch added that it was important for cultural figures to speak out against Israel's assault on Gaza, as well as politicians.
'Music should always be capable of making social comment – both a commentary and a form of protest,' he told The National.
'Far more than merely entertainment, music can play an active role in shaping society.'
A music video for War Crimes is in the works, which Veitch hopes can be shown at events as well as online.
Veitch is also considering creating a 'festival for Gaza' which incorporates all sectors of the arts in Scotland. He encouraged anyone interested in being involved to get in touch.
War Crimes is available to purchase here as well as on Amazon.
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