Elvis Costello: Self-Righteous Douchebag of the Day

Oh, I just don't know where to begin. How about with this: Shut up and sing, Elvis. Nobody gives a rat's ass what you think of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Singer Elvis Costello has pulled out of two gigs in Israel due to concerns over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The musician, who was due to perform later this summer, said: "Having your name added to a concert schedule may be interpreted as a political act."

Costello said his decision was "a matter of instinct and conscience" and "too grave and complex" to be addressed at a concert.

He apologised to ticket holders and event organisers.

The songwriter also said sorry to Israeli journalists who have interviewed him in advance of the concerts.

"They were of great value and help to me in gaining an appreciation of the cultural scene," he said.

In a statement on his website, Costello explained: "I must believe that the audience for the coming concerts would have contained many people who question the policies of their government on settlement and deplore conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security.

"I am also keenly aware of the sensitivity of these themes in the wake of so many despicable acts of violence perpetrated in the name of liberation."

This great humanitarian has zero concern, apparently, for the Israeli people living under a constant state of siege from the maniacs surrounding them who wish death and annihilation upon them. His concern for their tormentors, it seems, is much more grave.

He said that in the end his conscience and instinct told him that if these themes were "too grave and complex" to be addressed in concert, "then it is also quite impossible to look the other way."

Too grave and complex. Heavy, man.