Punk duo Bob Vylan have been dropped from multiple upcoming festivals in both the UK and abroad following their controversial performance at Glastonbury.
The group had been due to headline Radar Festival in Manchester this Saturday, but organisers confirmed the band would no longer perform. The set was scheduled to take place at Victoria Warehouse.
They have also been removed from the line-up at Kave Fest, a music event held in Gisors, France, where they were booked to appear on Sunday. Organisers confirmed to the BBC that the cancellation had been made and said a full statement would follow.
A venue in Cologne has also confirmed Bob Vylan will no longer open for US band Gogol Bordello at a concert in September.
The backlash follows their appearance on Glastonbury’s West Holts stage last Saturday, during which lead singer Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chanting “Death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces].”
The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “appalling hate speech,” while the UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, condemned “the airing of vile Jew-hate at Glastonbury.”
Responding on Instagram, Bob Vylan said: “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine.”
They added: “We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story, and whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.”
The group is now facing further consequences abroad. Their US visas were revoked by the US State Department ahead of their scheduled tour, forcing the cancellation of their American shows.
A spokesperson for the department said: “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau added: “America is a place of free expression, but we draw the line at performers who incite hatred and endanger public safety. The visa revocation reflects our firm stance on extremism.”
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into whether comments made by Bob Vylan and Belfast rap group Kneecap during their Glastonbury sets amount to criminal offences.
Kneecap’s performance included chants against the Prime Minister and an apparent call for a “riot” at an upcoming court hearing.
The investigation is being treated as a public order incident and will consider potential breaches of hate crime laws.
The BBC, which live streamed Bob Vylan’s set on iPlayer, has faced mounting criticism for not cutting the broadcast.
In a statement, the corporation admitted it “should have pulled the stream during the performance” and said, “we regret this did not happen.”
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it was “very concerned” and that “the BBC clearly has questions to answer.”
Meanwhile, Campaign Against Antisemitism has written to Glastonbury organisers and Somerset Council, accusing the festival of breaching its licence by platforming artists accused of inciting hate.
The letter highlights not only Bob Vylan’s performance but also that of Kneecap. The charity has given organisers 14 days to respond or face potential legal action.
