GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL Condemns BOB VYLAN Performance: 'We are appalled by the statements made', Police Investigating

Summary

• Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set included a ‘death to the IDF’ chant and anti-Western political remarks, prompting backlash from organizers and officials.
• Festival leaders said they were ‘appalled’ by the performance and reminded all participants there’s no room for hate speech or incitement.
• Police are reviewing footage to decide whether criminal charges are warranted; the Culture Secretary is pressing the BBC for an urgent explanation.

Glastonbury Festival organizers have issued a public statement criticizing punk duo Bob Vylan after their controversial set on Saturday.

The performance included political messages, a chant targeting the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and comments that festival leaders say went too far.

In a post shared Sunday on social media (see below), festival organizers said they were “appalled by the statements made” during the show.

They also reminded everyone involved in the event that Glastonbury does not allow “antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”

The organizers added that while performers have a right to their views, their appearance should not be seen as an endorsement by the festival. They emphasized that Glastonbury stands for “hope, unity, peace and love.”

What happened on stage?

Bob Vylan, made up of Bobby Vylan (vocals and guitar) and Bobbie Vylan (drums), took the stage before Irish group Kneecap, who are already facing scrutiny.

Kneecap member Mo Chara is out on bail after being charged over a past on-stage chant supporting Hamas and Hezbollah.

During Bob Vylan’s set, Bobby Vylan spoke out about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He criticized the U.S. and U.K. governments, accusing them of being “complicit in war crimes.” He also said support for Palestinian rights has been met with backlash, which he finds troubling.

The performance included a chant of “Death to the IDF”, which sparked immediate criticism. Bobby Vylan also made comments suggesting violence is sometimes necessary to be heard, referencing lyrics from their 2023 track Censored (Interlude).

That line in particular is what Glastonbury flagged as incitement.

Messages displayed behind the band read, “The United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a conflict.”

During the speech, Bobby Vylan dedicated a song to other artists who have spoken up for Palestine, including The Murder Capital, Kneecap, and Amyl and the Sniffers.

Reactions from officials

A UK government spokesperson called the set “threatening.” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded answers from BBC Director General Tim Davie about why the performance was streamed at all.

Nandy had already asked for Kneecap to be banned from the festival.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are reviewing video footage from the show. They are assessing whether any laws were broken.

Kneecap’s later set, which reportedly included criticism of the Prime Minister, is also under review by authorities.

What else happened at Glastonbury?

Despite the controversy, the rest of the festival continued with major performances. On Friday night, The 1975 headlined the Pyramid Stage, while Loyle Carner took the Other Stage.

Saturday included performances from Charli XCX, Neil Young, Scissor Sisters, and Doechii. Olivia Rodrigo is scheduled to close the event on Sunday.

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