British authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into a controversial performance by the rap punk duo Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival, where they incited crowds to chant phrases calling for violence against the Israeli military. The performance, which took place on Saturday, prompted significant backlash, leading the U.S. State Department to revoke the duo’s visas amidst accusations of promoting “hateful tirades.”
During their set, Bob Vylan led attendees in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces), resulting in condemnation from various political leaders and organizations. The BBC, which livestreamed the performance, faced heavy criticism and stated that they would take feedback seriously, acknowledging that broadcasting such “very strong and discriminatory language” was inappropriate.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed that there is no justification for what he described as “appalling hate speech,” and lawmakers across the UK echoed his sentiments, calling for accountability. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a public order matter, alongside a similar performance by the Irish-language band Kneecap, which also expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments at the festival.
In a social media update, Bobby Vylan reflected on the mixed reception of their performance, recognizing the importance of speaking out for change. He emphasized the need to encourage younger generations to stand up for their beliefs, framing protests for change as essential for a better future.
As the situation unfolds, the Israeli Embassy in the U.K. denounced the rhetoric from the festival as deeply disturbing, adding to the tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has drawn sharp international criticism and heightened global protests.
This incident underscores the complicated intersection of art, expression, and political discourse, particularly in light of current global events. Despite the heavy scrutiny, the band’s message has resonated with a segment of fans, illustrating the power of music as a medium for activism.