Days after performing on one of the biggest stages in British music, punk‑rap duo Bob Vylan is facing significant backlash and a cascade of consequences following a controversial chant during their Glastonbury set. A chant of 'Death to the IDF', led by frontman Bobby Vylan, was broadcast live by the BBC and has since triggered legal investigations, visa revocations, and cancelled performances both in the UK and abroad.
Chant Sparks Political and Legal Fallout
Bob Vylan closed their Glastonbury performance on 28 June with an explosive political message. Leading the crowd in a chant of 'Death to the IDF', Bobby Vylan denounced the Israeli military in what he described as a protest against violence in Gaza. The chant aired live across BBC channels and iPlayer, prompting immediate criticism from across the political and cultural spectrum.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the remarks as 'hate speech,' while Glastonbury organisers called the chant 'appalling'. The BBC issued a public apology, acknowledging that it had failed to intervene in the broadcast and was reviewing its editorial policies for live performances.
Avon and Somerset Police have opened a criminal investigation to assess whether the performance violated laws on incitement. A separate probe is also underway into a previous London gig where similar rhetoric was allegedly used.
Cancelled Gigs, Dropped from Festivals, US Visa Revoked
In the days following Glastonbury, Bob Vylan was removed from multiple festival lineups. Radar Festival in Manchester dropped the band from their headliner slot, replacing their name on promotional materials with 'TBA'. A French festival and a venue in Cologne also cancelled their scheduled appearances.
In the United States, the fallout has extended to immigration. The US State Department revoked the band's visa, citing their public remarks as a 'hateful tirade'. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau said the visa cancellation aligned with policies against promoting incitement on US soil.
Bob Vylan has denied any antisemitic intent, stating their message was directed specifically at the Israeli military and not Jewish communities. In a statement, they clarified, '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'.
Free Speech or Incitement?
The controversy has reignited a complex debate about the role of protest in music and the limits of free expression. Supporters argue that Bob Vylan were exercising their right to protest against what they perceive as human rights violations in Gaza. They view the band's actions as part of a long tradition of political expression in music.
Critics counter that the chant crossed into dangerous territory by calling for death, even if directed at a military institution. They argue that public broadcasters and venues have a responsibility to prevent what they see as incitement to violence, regardless of political context.
Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury, stressed that 'there is no place at Glastonbury for hate speech'. She also confirmed that the festival would be reviewing artist guidelines for future lineups.
The backlash against Bob Vylan shows no signs of slowing, with legal scrutiny and cancelled bookings threatening the future of their tour. Whether their message was protest or provocation remains at the heart of a growing debate.
