A performance by British punk-rap duo Bob vylan at the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival has sparked significant controversy. their set on Saturday, June 28th, included chants directed at the Israeli military, leading to swift repercussions both internationally and within the UK. The fallout includes the revocation of their US visas and the launch of a criminal investigation by British police.
The incident highlights the complex intersection of political expression, free speech, and the potential consequences faced by artists in a highly charged global climate. It also raises questions about the role of broadcasters covering live events with potentially inflammatory content.
The Glastonbury Performance That Ignited Controversy
During their set on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury, Bob Vylan frontman Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) engaged the crowd on the topic of Palestine. He shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” before leading the audience in chants targeting Israel’s defense forces. Videos circulating online show the rapper calling out, “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).”
The performance occurred in front of a screen displaying a message that read: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’” This message directly referenced the ongoing conflict in the region and the UK’s public broadcaster, which was live-streaming the festival. The BBC broadcast Bob Vylan’s set live on its iPlayer platform, adding an immediate on-screen warning about “very strong and discriminatory” language.
Swift Backlash and UK Reactions
The chants from Bob Vylan’s set drew immediate and strong condemnation from political figures and institutions in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the chant “appalling hate speech.” He stated that there was “no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech” and commented that the BBC had “questions to answer” regarding the broadcast.
Conservative MP Chris Philp went further, suggesting the BBC should be prosecuted. He argued that by transmitting “vile hatred,” the broadcaster potentially broke the law and should not air material designed to incite violence. The Israeli Embassy in the UK expressed it was “deeply disturbed” by the “inflammatory and hateful” rhetoric heard during the festival.
British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also weighed in. Speaking in Parliament, she described the scenes during the Bob Vylan set as “appalling and unacceptable.”
The BBC’s Evolving Stance
The BBC initially broadcast the performance live but did not immediately pull the feed. Following the outcry, a BBC spokesperson stated on Sunday that some comments made during the performance were “deeply offensive.” The broadcaster confirmed it had no plans to make the full set available on demand via iPlayer.
By Monday, the BBC issued a more critical statement. They admitted that “with hindsight,” Vylan’s performance should have been pulled from the air during the live broadcast. The corporation reiterated that while it “respects freedom of expression,” it “stands firmly against incitement to violence.” The statement explicitly called the “antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan” utterly unacceptable, adding they “have no place on our airwaves.”
International Consequences: US Visa Revocation
The repercussions of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance extended beyond the UK. On Monday, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the United States had revoked the visas for the members of Bob Vylan. Posting on X, Landau stated the decision was made “in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.”
Landau emphasized the US stance on such expression. He added that “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.” This action directly impacts the band’s planned US tour, which was slated to begin in late October. The US State Department has recently enforced a stricter visa restriction and revocation policy targeting individuals alleged to support terrorism or antisemitism.
UK Police Launch Criminal Investigation
Adding another layer of official action, UK police have launched a criminal investigation into the performances by Bob Vylan and another musical act, the Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, at Glastonbury. Avon and Somerset Police, the force covering the festival location, announced the probe after reviewing video and audio footage from the sets.
Police stated that “further enquiries are required” following their initial assessment. The investigation is described as being in its early stages and “evidence-led.” Authorities confirmed they will “closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.” The incidents have been logged officially as a “public order concern.” Police acknowledged the “strength of public feeling” regarding the events, emphasizing that “there is absolutely no place in society for hate.”
Broader Context and the Kneecap Incident
While Bob Vylan’s chant was the primary catalyst for the visa revocation and a key focus of the police probe, the investigation also includes Irish band Kneecap. Kneecap performed on the same stage as Bob Vylan on Saturday afternoon.
The BBC had already decided against broadcasting Kneecap’s performance live due to the band’s past criticisms of Israel, opting instead for an edited version. Ahead of the festival, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had also commented it was “not appropriate” for Kneecap to play, referencing a separate incident. Last month, Kneecap member Liam O’Hanna (Mo Chara) was charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police for allegedly displaying a flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization, at a London gig in November 2024 (a date which may be a typo in the source, likely referring to 2023). Mo Chara has denied this charge.
During their Glastonbury set, Kneecap members spoke about recent “stressful” events but highlighted that it was minor compared to “what the Palestinian people are going through.” Kneecap rapper Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) also directly criticized Starmer’s prior comment, saying, “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so fk Keir Starmer.” Both bands’ actions at the festival are now under police scrutiny.
Bob Vylan themselves are known for their politically charged lyrics. The duo blends genres like punk and grime and often confronts social issues such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality through their music. This context is relevant to understanding the motivations behind their performance choices, though it does not negate the official responses or the debate surrounding the specific language used.
Artist’s Response and Festival Organizers
Following the performance and the ensuing backlash, Bobby Vylan posted a statement on Instagram. Captioned “I said what I said,” the post read, “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.” He added that it is “incredibly important that we inspire future generations to pick up the torch” as adults face life’s challenges. This suggests a defense of his right to protest and express his views publicly.
Glastonbury festival organizers also commented on the Bob Vylan set. They stated they were “appalled” by the comments made, asserting that they “crossed a line.”
The incident at Glastonbury, involving both Bob Vylan and Kneecap, underscores the sensitivities around political expression at major public events. It highlights the immediate global reach of such actions via live broadcasts and social media, leading to swift official responses from multiple authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury?
During their set on Saturday, June 28th, Bob Vylan frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants. After expressing support for “Free Palestine,” he chanted “Death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli Defense Forces. The performance also featured a screen message contrasting UN genocide claims with the BBC’s description of the conflict as a “conflict.”
Why were Bob Vylan’s US visas revoked?
The United States State Department revoked the visas for Bob Vylan members following their Glastonbury performance. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated the action was taken because of the band’s “hateful tirade” and for leading the crowd in “death chants,” citing that the US does not welcome foreigners who “glorify violence and hatred.” This decision impacts the band’s planned US tour.
Is Bob Vylan facing a criminal investigation in the UK?
Yes, Bob Vylan is facing a criminal investigation by UK police. Avon and Somerset Police launched the probe after reviewing footage of the band’s Glastonbury set. The investigation, which is in its early stages and is evidence-led, will examine whether comments made constitute a criminal offense, including potential hate crimes or public order concerns. Irish band Kneecap’s performance is also included in the same investigation.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury continues to unfold. The band faces concrete consequences, including the loss of their US touring visas and an ongoing criminal investigation in the UK. Reactions from politicians, the BBC, and festival organizers have highlighted the divisive nature of the chants and the broader debate surrounding political expression and its limits in public forums. As the police investigation progresses, further developments are expected regarding the potential legal ramifications of the incident.
