U.S. Bans British Punk Duo BOB VYLAN After GLASTONBURY Protest Chants: 'We’re Not The Problem, We’re The Symptom'

Summary

• Bob Vylan had their U.S. visas revoked after chants against the Israeli military at Glastonbury Festival.
• UK police launched a criminal investigation, and the BBC apologized for airing the live performance.
• Artists like Grandson and Lambrini Girls voiced support, calling the backlash an attempt to silence political protest through music.

The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of British rap-punk group Bob Vylan following a controversial performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The move comes after the band’s frontman led the crowd in political chants that included strong criticism of Israel’s military.

During their Saturday set, lead vocalist Bobby Vylan shouted, “Free, free Palestine”, and then added, “Death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The performance sparked backlash from U.S. and UK officials, and a criminal investigation has been launched in the UK.

U.S. calls performance “hateful”

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the band’s visas were canceled “in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.” In a post on social media, he wrote, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

Bob Vylan had been scheduled to tour the United States in October. Shows were set for cities including Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. The group was also set to open for the artist Grandson during the tour.

UK officials respond

The comments made during Bob Vylan’s performance were streamed live by the BBC. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the chants “appalling hate speech.” UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she contacted BBC leadership, criticizing their decision not to cut the live broadcast.

The BBC has since apologized, saying they should have pulled the coverage. “With hindsight, we should have stopped the stream,” a spokesperson said. “We respect freedom of expression but stand firmly against incitement to violence.”

The broadcaster confirmed the set would not be available for on-demand viewing.

Police investigation underway

Avon and Somerset Police are now reviewing footage of the performance. Authorities said they’ve opened a criminal investigation and are considering possible hate crime charges.

A public order incident has been recorded, the department said in a statement. “The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”

Officers are reportedly speaking with local communities and stakeholders to address concerns.

Artist defends performance

Bobby Vylan responded on Instagram, saying the group is “being targeted for speaking up.”

He repeated his call to “Free Palestine” and added, “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 also criticized how political activism is often received in the media. “A good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace,” he wrote.

Support and fallout

Following the incident, the band’s page was removed from the United Talent Agency (UTA) artist roster. UTA has not publicly commented on the matter.

Other musicians have expressed support. Grandson, who featured Bob Vylan on a recent album and invited them on tour, defended the group. In a statement, he said: “Censorship of art is a tactic of control.”

As a Jewish artist, Grandson also pushed back on how the situation was being framed. “The Israeli government has done more to exacerbate antisemitism these past two years than any statements by artists advocating for Palestinian freedom and solidarity,” he wrote.

The band also received public messages of support from artists like Lambrini Girls and Amyl & The Sniffers, both of whom criticized what they described as media deflection and government scapegoating of musicians. “Art is one of the most powerful tools we have for activism,” Lambrini Girls wrote on Instagram.

Context of the conflict

The controversy comes amid ongoing global protests and public discourse surrounding the war in Gaza. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack in Israel that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza.

Since then, at least 56,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A UN report stated that Israel’s military actions are consistent with genocide. Israel has denied that claim.

Bob Vylan’s performance also included a video backdrop that said: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’”

Another act under scrutiny

Bob Vylan wasn’t the only act facing criticism at Glastonbury. Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap is also under investigation. One of its members, Mo Chara, was recently charged with a terrorism-related offense after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London.

During their Glastonbury set, the band addressed the controversy and criticized Prime Minister Starmer directly. “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f**k Keir Starmer,” one member said.

Both acts remain under police review as the investigation continues.

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