Berlin swing musician David Hermlin is facing cancellation from European jazz festivals after being excluded from some of the continent’s leading jazz events and accused of intimidation at a meeting organized by a pro-Palestinian group. The 25-year-old musician claims his only actions were asking two questions and wearing a yellow pin in solidarity with the 50 hostages still held in Gaza. ‘I didn’t harass or intimidate anyone. I merely asked two questions I thought were legitimate,’ Hermlin said. He described the situation as a violation of free speech in a music festival setting, where he believed his actions were purely artistic and not political. His experience has raised questions about the balance between personal expression and the responsibilities of the entertainment industry in politically charged environments.
Hermlin, who is known on social media as ‘Daveetheewave,’ has built a reputation not only for his music but also for his iconic fashion, which includes a vintage microphone, a charcoal gray suit, and slicked-back hair reminiscent of Fred Astaire. The yellow ribbon pin, worn neatly on his lapel, became a flashpoint in the controversy. His actions at the Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden, a renowned swing festival, sparked discussions about free speech and political expression within the music community. The incident has drawn parallels to historical moments of artistic exclusion, including the McCarthy era, where artists were pressured to declare their political affiliations. Hermlin’s experience also echoes the exclusion faced by swing musicians in the 1930s, raising questions about the evolving role of music in social and political discourse.
The controversy has led to criticism from festival organizers, who allegedly excluded Hermlin from certain events while allowing his band to participate. He claims that the treatment he received was not only personal but also politically motivated, as it targeted his individual expression rather than his band’s performance. Despite the backlash, Hermlin refuses to remain silent, stating that his commitment to music is as strong as his dedication to artistic freedom. His stance echoes the legacy of Benny Goodman, the Jewish clarinetist who defied segregation in the 1930s by hiring Black musicians. Hermlin’s actions reflect a broader movement within the music industry to address social and political issues while maintaining the essence of artistic performance. As he continues to play, he remains steadfast in his belief that music has the power to unite rather than divide.