The Pixies have never been what you might call a political band. Sure, “Monkey Gone To Heaven” may tout the positive power of environmental conservationism (we think), but most activities regarding world change and other stuffy issues were almost always better left to other bands. But now, by sheer force of a whole people, the band has been dragged into the greatest geo-political situation the world has ever known.

BOYCOTT!, an Israeli human rights organization, has asked the band, in an open letter, to cancel their June 9th Tel Aviv, IL concert to protest “the military occupation the Palestinian people have been living under since 1967″ and to “refuse to perform in Israel until there is freedom here.” The letter, which you can read in full here, has the signatures of 19 prominent members of the organization. And while the idea of such an organization speaking to the band behind Surfer Rosa seems gleefully absurd, they actually appeal to the band in a way they might understand: Their own music and lyrics.

“22 years ago, in 1988, following the first intifada outbreak, you mentioned Gaza in your new song “River Euphrates”: ‘Stuck here out of gas / Out here on the Gaza Strip / From driving in too fast.’ Whether you meant to construct a metaphor or referred to previous gas shortages, we can’t help notice the resonance to what is taking place in Gaza today. After the years-long Israeli siege, the Gaza strip is deprived more than ever of fuel and energy — as well as food, medicines and many other necessities. … Whether you cared or didn’t care for Gaza then, how can you not care for it so blatantly NOW?”

Whether or not the aforementioned lyric is applicable to the situation, there’s no doubting their passion. No response from The Pixies’ camp as of yet, but we’ll keep you updated regarding the concert. Until then, check out the band on tour Down Under starting March 11th and across Europe this summer in support of Doolittle‘s 20th anniversary.

The Pixies 2010 Tour Dates:
03/11 – Auckland, NZ @ The Powerstation
03/12 – Aucland, NZ @ Vector Arena
03/14 – Sydney, AU @ Hordern Pavillion
03/15 – Sydney, AU @ Hordern Pavillion
03/16 – Sydney, AU @ Hordern Pavillion
03/18 – Brisbane, AU @ Convention Centre
03/20 – Melbourne, AU @ Festival Hall
03/21 – Melbourne, AU @ Festival Hall
03/22 – Melbourne, AU @ Festival Hall
03/23 – Melbourne, AU @ Festival Hall
03/25 – Adelaide, AU @ Thebarton Theatre
03/27 – Perth, AU @ Belvoir Amphitheatre
03/28 – Perth, AU @ Belvoir Amphitheatre
03/30 – Brisbane, AU @ Convention Centre
05/25 – Tolouse, FR @ Le Bikini
05/26 – Tolouse, FR @ Le Bikini
05/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound Festival
05/30 – Langdraaf, NL @ Pinkpop Festival
05/31 – Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena
06/02 – Nantes, FR @ Le Zenith
06/06 – Ferrara, IT @ Piazza Castello
06/09 – Tel Aviv, IL @ Expo Grounds