Backlash intensifies for Bob Vylan over Glastonbury controversy
Following the controversial set played at Glastonbury festival by British artists Bob Vylan, the BBC is facing pressure from the UK government. The punk-rap duo has had their US visa revoked, amid support from fellow artists.
A criminal investigation has been launched into the Glastonbury performances of both Bob Vylan and Kneecap after the police reviewed video footage and audio of both sets, which took place on Saturday.
UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the "appalling and unacceptable scenes" and said she had called BBC director-general Tim Davie after the broadcast of Bob Vylan's set.
Nandy claimed there is "a problem of leadership" at the BBC, and has criticised the corporation over its decision not to pull the livestream after Bob Vylan’s frontman shouted “death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defence Forces).
Her comments follow a statement made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said: "There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech."
Additionally, the Israeli Embassy to the UK said on social media that it was “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival," while the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said it will be formally complaining to the BBC over its "outrageous decision" to broadcast the performance.
Following the backlash to Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury, the BBC said they should have pulled live coverage of the set. A spokesperson for the corporation said: “The team were dealing with a live situation, but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen.”
They continued: “The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence,” adding: “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air.”
The Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”
“There is absolutely no place in society for hate. Neighbourhood policing teams are speaking with people in their local communities and key stakeholders to make sure anyone who needs us knows that we are here for them.”
Bob Vylan targeted
The backlash has intensified for the British punk-rap duo, who have also been dropped by their agent following their incendiary performance ahead of Kneecap’s concert.
United Talent Agency (UTA) has not acknowledged the alleged severing of ties, but Bob Vylan’s pages on their artists sites have been removed.
Additionally, two days after their Glastonbury performance, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau took to social media to share that the State Department has “revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
The band had announced a US tour in October, during which they were due to open for Grandson.
Grandson has shared: “Censorship of art is a tactic of control. They blame artists and activists and not those who responsible for the conditions we rage against. From the death spiral of corporate greed and climate change to the genocide of Palestinian lives, the music and the artists are not the problem, we are the symptom of a sick world.”
He added: “As a Jewish artist, I am deeply offended by the conflation of criticism against a military force known for their indiscriminate violence with antisemitism. The Israeli government has done more to exacerbate antisemitism this past 2 years than any statements by artists advocating for Palestinian freedom and solidarity. Bob Vylan are the one feature on my album and that feature will go on. If they have the opportunity to come to the United States, they will join us on the ‘Inertia’ tour as planned.”
Sharing a statement on Instagram after the Glastonbury set, Bobby Vylan said: "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: "As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us."
Artist support for Bob Vylan and Kneecap
Several artists have come out in support of Bob Vylan and Kneecap following the news that both bands were now formally under criminal investigation.
Lambrini Girls wrote: “All good for bands to be political as long as it’s digestible and commidifiable. when it’s actually NEEDED and warranted and pushing against the true status quo – then time after time again, historically it’s proven that mass media and the government will villainise artists – look at Public Enemy, Nina Simone, Rage Against The Machine.”
“Art creates emotional resonance in ways that speeches or articles sometimes can’t,” they continued. “It’s why oppressive regimes often target artists, musicians, and writers FIRST. Art is one of the most powerful tools we have for activism, they go hand in hand. Don’t be fooled into thinking it was anything other than protest. Fucking free Palestine.”
Elsewhere, Amyl & The Sniffers defended both Kneecap and Bob Vylan: “Where do you think your anger should be directed? Are you uncomfortable hearing about genocide in Gaza? Take a beat and think about why musicians take plitical and social stances against injustices across the world. We have a platform that millions of others don’t, why expect everyone to be silent? Look at your politicians and government and how they respond to this. This conversation is once again distracted from the real issue of innocent Palestinians’ lives and family lines being obliterated. Have a think about who the real villains are in this story.”
The war in Gaza started after Hamas militants launched attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking up to 250 hostages. Israel has been carrying out a full-scale military campaign on occupied Gaza since.
A UN report has found that Israel’s military actions are consistent with genocide, and at least 56,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Israel has continually denied that their actions in Palestine can be equated to genocide and argued that it has not partaken in any war crimes.
