Worthy Farm often buzzes with vibrant performances, yet the 2025 festival saw controversy erupt following statements made by punk duo Bob <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/30/olivia-rodrigo-brings-out-the-cures-robert-smith-at-glastonbury-2025/” title=”Olivia Rodrigo Stuns Glastonbury with The Cure's Robert Smith”>vylan. Organisers expressed significant dismay after the London group’s set on the West Holts stage. Comments appearing to endorse violence and target the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drew immediate condemnation. This incident ignited a broader debate about free speech, hate speech, and political expression within the festival setting. Authorities are now investigating the remarks, and the BBC has removed the performance from its streaming platforms.
Controversy Ignites on West Holts Stage
The contentious moment occurred during Bob Vylan’s performance on Saturday afternoon. Amidst a politically charged set, the duo reportedly led festivalgoers in a chant: “death, death to the IDF”. Bobby Vylan, one half of the act, also made a statement describing himself as a “violent punk”. He added that “Sometimes we have to get our message across with violence”. According to him, this is “the only language some people speak, unfortunately.” These specific remarks quickly became the focal point of intense scrutiny.
The performance was initially broadcast live by the BBC. However, the Corporation later decided to take the footage down. A BBC spokesperson acknowledged that some comments made during the set were considered “deeply offensive.” They issued an on-screen warning during the broadcast about “very strong and discriminatory language.” Despite the initial live stream, the set is not available on demand via iPlayer.
Glastonbury Organisers Issue Strong Rebuke
Following the performance, Glastonbury organisers released a powerful joint statement. They declared they were “appalled” by the specific comments emanating from the West Holts stage. The statement emphasised the festival’s core values of “hope, unity, peace and love”. They firmly stated that these values stand in opposition to “all forms of war and terrorism.”
Organiser Emily Eavis was part of this condemnation. The statement clarified that while nearly 4,000 acts perform at the festival, and some views may not align with the organisers’, a performer’s presence isn’t an endorsement. However, they were clear that Bob Vylan’s chants “very much crossed a line.” The organisers are now urgently reinforcing to all production staff that there is “no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
Police Probe and BBC Reaction
The fallout from Bob Vylan’s set extends beyond festival organisers and broadcasters. Avon and Somerset police confirmed they are actively investigating the incident. The police force stated they are assessing video evidence from the performance. Their objective is to determine if any criminal offences were committed. This assessment could potentially lead to a formal criminal investigation.
The BBC’s decision to broadcast the set live also drew criticism. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reportedly spoke with BBC Director General Tim Davie seeking an “urgent explanation.” Government Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith was “mystified” by the broadcast. She argued the comments constituted “incitement to violence.” Sir Keir Starmer also demanded an explanation from the BBC.
Political Firestorm Erupts
Politicians across the spectrum reacted strongly to the Bob Vylan performance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the comments “appalling hate speech.” He insisted there was “no excuse” for such language. Starmer reiterated his belief that performers threatening or inciting violence should not receive platforms. He specifically mentioned the need for the BBC to explain the broadcast.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also found the chants “appalling.” He described them as a “shameless publicity stunt.” Streeting contrasted the remarks with the victims of the October 7th Hamas attack, including those at the Nova festival. He stressed that all life is precious. While critical of the BBC, Streeting also offered strong words for Israel. He told the Israeli embassy to “get your own house in order” regarding settler violence in the West Bank. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the set as “grotesque.” She warned that allowing such behaviour poses a risk, stating, “violence against Jews isn’t edgy.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp went further. He asserted that Bob Vylan was “inciting violence and hatred.” Philp called for the duo to face arrest and prosecution. He also contended that the BBC “appear to have also broken the law” by broadcasting the material. Philp urged police to investigate and potentially prosecute the Corporation as well.
Israeli Embassy Expresses Disturbancе
The Israeli embassy in the UK also voiced its strong disapproval. A statement on X (formerly Twitter) described the embassy as “deeply disturbed” by the rhetoric. They called the language “inflammatory and hateful.” The embassy argued that while free expression is crucial, speech crossing into “incitement, hatred, and advocacy of ethnic cleansing” must be challenged. This is especially important when amplified on prominent platforms.
They interpreted chants like “Death to the IDF” and “From the river to the sea” as advocating for Israel’s dismantling. According to the embassy, these slogans implicitly call for the elimination of Jewish self-determination. They expressed serious concern about the “normalisation of extremist language” and the “glorification of violence.” This concern was heightened by the chants being delivered before a large audience and met with applause. Israel’s foreign ministry also posted graphic footage related to the October 7th attack. They aimed this appeal directly at Glastonbury attendees who joined the chants.
Wider Context: Pro-Palestine Voices at Worthy Farm
Bob Vylan was not the only act expressing political views at Glastonbury 2025. The incident occurred amidst widespread displays of support for the Palestinian cause throughout the festival. Many artists across different genres incorporated political messages into their sets.
Musicians like CMAT and The Libertines were heard shouting “Free Palestine.” Gary Lineker also reportedly ended his talk with the same phrase. Other performers including Joy Crookes, TV on the Radio, Sorry, and Paloma Faith displayed Palestinian flags or keffiyeh scarves on stage.
Musician Nadine Shah performed in front of a backdrop depicting destruction in Gaza. She told the crowd, many waving Palestinian flags, “I just don’t like seeing people being killed.” Shah read an open letter from Artists for Palestine UK. The letter supported Palestine Action, an activist group the Home Secretary planned to proscribe as a terror organisation. The letter called Palestine Action’s efforts “intervening to stop a genocide” and “acting to save life.” It deplored the government’s decision to proscribe the group. The letter argued this labelling was an “abuse of language” and an “attack on democracy.” Shah noted she could potentially be prosecuted for reading the letter after July 4th.
Another group, the Irish rap trio Kneecap, also faced scrutiny. Their set followed Bob Vylan’s and was also politically charged. One member referenced a court case against him. He also mentioned starting a “riot,” though he clarified this meant “love and support, and support for Palestine.” The BBC had previously decided not to screen Kneecap’s set live due to “editorial guidelines” concerns. However, police are also investigating their performance. The controversy surrounding Kneecap included earlier calls to remove them from festival line-ups due to alleged endorsements of terrorist groups and a terror charge against a member.
Bob Vylan Responds: Defending the Stance
In the wake of the controversy, Bob Vylan member Bobby Vylan issued a lengthy statement. Posted on Instagram, it was captioned “I said what I said.” He acknowledged being “inundated” with messages of “support and hatred.” Despite the backlash, he firmly maintained his stance. He declared that he stood by everything he said on stage. His statement served as a defense of free speech. He highlighted the perceived importance of speaking up for change, particularly regarding foreign policy.
Bobby Vylan used a metaphor involving his daughter’s feedback on school dinners. He listened to her expressing her opinions on something affecting her daily life. This, he suggested, was a reminder that change remains possible. He argued that teaching children to articulate their desires for change is vital for improving the world. He encouraged people to inspire future generations to continue advocating. He urged visible and loud positive action. Examples included marching, campaigning, organising online, and speaking out on any available platform. He concluded by likening his daughter’s desire for school dinner changes to his own call for foreign policy shifts.
Navigating Free Speech and Incitement at Festivals
The Bob Vylan incident at Glastonbury 2025 underscores a complex challenge. Festivals are often platforms for political and social commentary. However, there is a delicate balance between free expression and speech that is deemed harmful or inciting. While Glastonbury has a history of supporting free speech, organisers made it clear that they felt Bob Vylan’s specific comments crossed a line.
The differing reactions from politicians, the Israeli embassy, and the festival audience highlight the varied interpretations of such remarks. Some view the chants as legitimate protest against military actions. Others see them as incitement to violence or expressions of hate. The police investigation will assess the legal aspects. Meanwhile, the BBC’s actions demonstrate the media’s role in navigating contentious live content. The incident places Bob Vylan at the centre of this specific debate. It also prompts broader questions about the responsibilities of artists, organisers, and broadcasters in managing political discourse at large public events like Glastonbury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific remarks by Bob Vylan caused controversy at Glastonbury 2025?
During their set on the West Holts stage, Bob Vylan led chants of “death, death to the IDF.” Additionally, member Bobby Vylan stated he was a “violent punk” and that sometimes they use violence to “get our message across,” implying it’s the “only language some people speak.” These specific chants and comments were widely condemned for appearing to incite violence and being hateful, leading to significant backlash.
How did Glastonbury organisers and the BBC react to Bob Vylan’s performance?
Glastonbury organisers issued a strong statement saying they were “appalled” and that the chants “very much crossed a line.” They reiterated the festival’s values of peace and unity and stated there was no place for hate speech or incitement to violence. The BBC initially broadcast the set live but later removed it from iPlayer, stating some comments were “deeply offensive” and issuing an on-screen warning during the live stream.
What is the broader context of political expression at Glastonbury 2025 surrounding this incident?
The controversy involving Bob Vylan occurred amidst widespread pro-Palestinian displays by numerous artists at the festival. Acts like CMAT, The Libertines, and Nadine Shah expressed support for Palestine, often displaying flags or making vocal statements. The Irish rap group Kneecap also had a politically charged set that is under police investigation, further highlighting the prevalence of political messaging and activism at the festival this year.
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