Authorities in southwest England have started a review after controversial political chants were made on stage during the Glastonbury Festival, the UK’s biggest music event. Police are now checking if any laws were broken.
Artists Lead Political Chants
On June 29, rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish-language hip hop group Kneecap performed on the West Holts Stage. During Bob Vylan’s act, frontman Bobby Vylan shouted “Free, free Palestine” and then added, “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).” A video circulating online showed the audience repeating the chant.
Police Investigate Possible Offence
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were reviewing the video footage. “We are aware of the comments made by acts and are assessing the footage to determine whether any offences may have been committed,” the force said.
The stage backdrop during Bob Vylan’s set also displayed a controversial message. It read, “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict’,” referring to Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza.
Israeli Embassy and UK Officials Condemn Chant
The Israeli Embassy in the UK called the performance “deeply disturbing.” It said, “Chants like ‘Death to the IDF’ promote violence and extreme views.” The Embassy urged UK leaders and artists to reject hatred and incitement.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting also criticised the performance on Sky News. He called the chant “appalling” and said both the BBC and Glastonbury organisers must answer for allowing it to air.
Streeting also responded to the Israeli Embassy by saying, “I’d also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank.” He noted that while Israel faces criticism, violence cannot be encouraged in return.
BBC Faces Backlash
The BBC aired Bob Vylan’s performance live, which drew further criticism. Though the broadcaster showed a warning on-screen, it later confirmed the performance would not be available on its streaming service, iPlayer.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reportedly contacted BBC Director General Tim Davie to seek an explanation. A BBC spokesperson admitted that some remarks during the show were “deeply offensive.”
Who Are Bob Vylan?
Bob Vylan is a rap-punk duo from Ipswich, formed in 2017. It consists of Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan. Their music tackles racism, far-right politics, and social issues. Their album The Price Of Life won praise, and in 2022 they won awards from MOBO and Kerrang.
One of their tracks begins with the line: “Violence is the only language that some people understand.”
Kneecap Also Sparks Controversy
Irish-language rap group Kneecap also led chants of “Free Palestine” and “Free Mo Chara” during their performance. One member, Mo Chara (real name Liam O’Hanna), is facing charges under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a previous concert.
Despite this, Kneecap performed for a large crowd. Band member Móglaí Bap said, “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f**k Keir Starmer.” He added that Mo Chara’s case was “stressful” but “nothing in comparison to what the Palestinian people are going through.”
Although Bap said, “No riots just love and support,” he also joked about rioting outside the court. Kneecap has denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah and said they only criticise governments.
Festival Organisers Respond
Glastonbury organisers said they were reviewing the incidents and condemned hate speech. They stated, “There is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence.” They admitted the chants during Bob Vylan’s set “crossed a line.”
They also explained that performers’ views do not reflect those of the festival and reminded the public that over 4,000 acts perform each year.
About the Festival
Glastonbury takes place every year in Worthy Farm, southwest England. Nearly 200,000 people attend the event, which features more than 120 stages and artists from around the world.
