British authorities have launched a criminal investigation into performances by musical acts Bob vylan and Kneecap at the recent Glastonbury Festival. The inquiry by Avon and Somerset police follows significant public and political scrutiny surrounding comments made by the artists during their sets on Saturday. Footage from both performances is currently under review as police work to determine if any remarks constitute a criminal offence, potentially including hate crimes.
The decision to open an investigation marks a serious escalation in the fallout from the controversial appearances. A senior detective has been assigned to lead the case, which is currently classified as a “public order incident” in its preliminary stages. Police emphasize that the investigation will be evidence-led, carefully considering relevant legislation. While specific content under scrutiny wasn’t detailed by the police, the controversy stems from highly publicized on-stage actions and statements.
The Bob Vylan Performance Under Scrutiny
The punk-rap duo Bob Vylan delivered a set on the West Holts stage that drew immediate and widespread condemnation. Central to the controversy was a chant led by frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster, known as Bobby Vylan. During the performance, which was live-streamed by the BBC, he led a chant of “death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
This specific comment sparked a swift backlash. Critics argued the remarks were hateful and crossed a line, particularly in the context of a major cultural event and a national broadcast. The incident quickly became a focal point for discussions about the boundaries of political expression in music and the responsibilities of broadcasters.
Fallout from the Live Broadcast
The BBC faced intense criticism for airing Bob Vylan’s performance live. The corporation later admitted it regretted not cutting away from the stream during the controversial moments. A BBC spokesperson described the sentiments expressed as “utterly unacceptable” and “anti-semitic,” acknowledging that with hindsight, the stream should have been pulled during the performance.
The BBC has since announced plans to review its guidance for live events to ensure teams are clear on when output should be kept on air. Director General Tim Davie was reportedly aware of the incident and consulted on managing the broadcast fallout. The incident also prompted regulatory scrutiny, with broadcast watchdog Ofcom stating the BBC “clearly has questions to answer” regarding its coverage decisions.
Political figures also weighed in heavily. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the scenes broadcast as “appalling and unacceptable,” contacting the BBC Director General to question why the feed wasn’t instantly cut and what due diligence had been performed. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the chants as “appalling hate speech,” while Conservative MP Chris Philp suggested the BBC could potentially face prosecution for airing what he termed “hateful material.”
Kneecap’s Set Also Investigated
The criminal investigation extends to include the performance by Irish-language rap group Kneecap, who also played on the West Holts stage. Known for their politically charged lyrics and pro-Palestinian stance, Kneecap’s set drew a massive crowd at the festival, reportedly leading to the field being temporarily closed due to overcrowding.
Unlike Bob Vylan, Kneecap’s performance was not live-streamed by the BBC. However, a largely unedited version was later uploaded to the BBC iPlayer highlights section, although its continued availability has been questioned. During their set, members reportedly led “free, free Palestine” chants and vocalized criticism of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. One band member also referenced a separate terrorism charge he is currently facing, which he denies, describing it as “trumped-up.”
The inclusion of Kneecap in the police investigation highlights the broader focus on potentially criminal comments made during performances, regardless of live broadcast status. The group’s history of political commentary and prior brushes with controversy, including a previous investigation (where they were not charged) related to comments about MPs, add layers to the current inquiry.
Consequences Beyond the Investigation
The police investigation is not the only significant consequence faced by the artists following the Glastonbury performances. Both members of Bob Vylan have reportedly had their US visas revoked. This action was publicly referenced by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who stated on social media that “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.” The band was reportedly preparing for a US tour before this development.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Bob Vylan has been dropped by their talent representation, United Talent Agency (UTA), in the wake of the controversy.
Bob Vylan’s frontman, Bobby Vylan, has responded to the backlash through social media. Initially, he posted “I said what I said” alongside a defence of political activism. Later, in a video statement, he defended his words as a call against the “slaughter of innocents” and clarified that his anger was not directed at Israeli civilians, while also addressing UK politicians directly.
The bands’ actions and the subsequent reactions from authorities, broadcasters, organizers, and other nations underscore the increasing tension surrounding highly politicized artistic expression in prominent public forums like Glastonbury. The legal implications are now under review as part of the police investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the police investigation regarding the Glastonbury performances?
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into the Bob Vylan and Kneecap sets at Glastonbury Festival. The focus is on reviewing footage and audio from the performances to determine if comments made by either act constituted a criminal offence, such as a public order incident or hate crime. A senior detective is leading the inquiry.
Which specific bands are under investigation by police after their Glastonbury sets?
The police investigation by Avon and Somerset Police specifically targets the performances of English punk-rap duo Bob Vylan and Irish-language rap band Kneecap from the recent Glastonbury Festival. Both groups performed on Saturday and are subject to the ongoing inquiry.
What consequences have the bands faced beyond the police investigation so far?
Beyond the criminal investigation, members of Bob Vylan have reportedly had their US visas revoked, impacting potential international touring plans. Bob Vylan has also reportedly been dropped by their talent agency, United Talent Agency (UTA). Both bands have faced significant public criticism, and the BBC and Glastonbury organizers have distanced themselves from the controversial comments made.
