Authorities are now reviewing video evidence from Glastonbury Festival following controversial performances by musical acts Bob Vylan and kneecap. The police assessment focuses on comments made during their sets, specifically regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and political figures. This situation has sparked significant debate about freedom of speech at major events and led to swift reactions from government officials and the BBC.
Police Assess On-Stage Remarks
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are examining footage from the festival’s West Holts Stage. The police are aware of comments made by both Bob Vylan and Kneecap during their sets on Saturday afternoon. Officers will assess the video evidence. Their goal is to determine if any potential criminal offences occurred. This assessment could lead to a formal criminal investigation.
Controversial Chants During Bob Vylan Performance
British punk duo Bob Vylan performed before Kneecap. Frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in politically charged chants. Festival-goers joined in calls of “Free, free Palestine.” More controversially, the crowd also chanted “Death, death to the IDF.” The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) is Israel’s military. Bobby Vylan had reportedly expressed solidarity with bands speaking up for Palestine. He acknowledged the BBC stream but still engaged in the chants. He referenced the band’s identity as “violent punks.” He suggested violence is sometimes necessary to convey a message. He stated it’s “the only language some people speak.”
Kneecap’s Defiant Set Draws Criticism
Following Bob Vylan, Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap took the stage. Access to the area was reportedly closed 45 minutes beforehand due to large crowds. The band is known for their political stance. Their set included vocal criticism of UK politicians. Member Naoise O Caireallain, known as Moglai Bap, directed comments at Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He told the crowd, “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f* Keir Starmer.” The crowd chanted in response. Kneecap also led chants of “Free Palestine.” Many fans waved Palestinian flags.
Another moment involved a band member referencing an upcoming court appearance. Mo Chara is facing a terror charge. He initially suggested fans “start a riot” outside the courts. However, he quickly clarified the remark. He said, “No riots just love and support, and support for Palestine.” Mo Chara wore a keffiyeh during the set. Another member wore a shirt supporting Palestine Action. Before taking the stage, news broadcasts criticizing the trio played. The audience booed these reports.
Official Reactions Mount
The controversial performances quickly drew sharp reactions. The UK government condemned the remarks. A government spokesperson stated they “strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.” They called for an “urgent explanation” from the BBC. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy contacted the BBC Director General. She asked about the broadcaster’s due diligence before the performances.
BBC’s Broadcast Decisions
The BBC live-streamed Bob Vylan’s set on iPlayer. They issued an on-screen warning during the stream. The warning mentioned “very strong and discriminatory language.” However, the BBC later decided not to make Bob Vylan’s performance available on demand. A BBC spokesperson called some comments “deeply offensive.” They welcomed the decision not to re-broadcast it. The government also welcomed this decision.
Initially, the BBC was expected to stream Kneecap’s set live. Hours before their performance, they announced it would not be live-streamed. It was stated it might be available on demand later. This decision was made amidst prior political backlash against the group.
Diplomatic and Political Condemnation
The Israeli embassy in the UK issued a strong statement. They condemned Bob Vylan’s performance. They urged festival organisers to denounce the comments. The embassy stated that chants like “Death to the IDF” and “From the river to the sea” advocate for dismantling Israel. They believe these slogans implicitly call for eliminating Jewish self-determination. The embassy expressed concern over the “normalisation of extremist language.” They also raised concerns about the “glorification of violence.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also reacted strongly on social media. She described the scenes as “grotesque.” Badenoch stated, “Glorifying violence against Jews isn’t edgy.” She warned that the West is “playing with fire” by letting such behaviour go unchecked. She argued this was “incitement,” not protest. Badenoch drew a parallel to attacks on music festivals. She criticized the audience for “clapping along and cheering.”
Background and Context
Controversy surrounding Kneecap predated Glastonbury. Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Og O hAnnaidh, was charged with a terror offence. The charge relates to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in 2023. Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organisation in the UK. Mo Chara denies the charge. He was recently released on unconditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 20.
Leading up to the festival, several politicians called for Kneecap to be removed from the lineup. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said their performance would not be “appropriate.” Despite this, Glastonbury organisers, the Eavis family, stood by their decision to keep Kneecap on the bill. Moglai Bap thanked the Eavis family during their set. He noted “they stood strong” against calls to drop the band. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis suggested those who disagreed could “go somewhere else.”
The incident highlights the tension between artistic expression and political sensitivity. It raises questions about the responsibility of festival organisers and broadcasters. The police investigation will determine if the comments crossed a legal line, potentially constituting incitement or other offences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are police investigating regarding Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury?
Avon and Somerset Police are assessing video evidence of comments made by both bands during their sets on the West Holts Stage on Saturday, June 28. They are determining if any criminal offences were committed by the remarks, which included chants and statements related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and UK politicians.
Why is the BBC not showing Bob Vylan’s set on demand?
The BBC decided not to make Bob Vylan’s performance available on demand on iPlayer due to “deeply offensive” comments made during the set, including chants of “Death to the IDF.” While the set was initially live-streamed with a warning, the decision was made to prevent future viewing on the platform following government condemnation and concerns about the content.
What is the status of the Kneecap member facing a terror charge?
Liam Og O hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) is currently facing a charge related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag in 2023. He denies the charge and is currently on unconditional bail. During the Glastonbury set, he referenced his legal situation but clarified a comment about starting a riot outside court, stating the band intended “love and support, and support for Palestine.” His next court hearing is set for August 20.
Looking Ahead
The police assessment of the controversial Glastonbury sets is ongoing. The outcome will determine if a criminal investigation is launched against either group or individuals. This incident underscores the complex challenge for large public events balancing freedom of expression with preventing potentially unlawful or harmful speech, particularly on sensitive political topics. The reactions from authorities, broadcasters, and political figures reflect the significant public and political scrutiny such on-stage commentary can attract.
