European tour cancellation looms for Bob Vylan amidst Glastonbury stir - European tour of Bob Vylan has been called off.
In the heart of the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, London-based punk-rap duo Bob Vylan ignited a storm of controversy with their politically charged performance. During their set, they led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF" (Israeli Defense Forces), joining Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap in delivering music laced with political commentary[1][2].
The Israeli Embassy in Britain swiftly condemned the remarks as "hateful" and "inflammatory." Festival organisers also expressed their disapproval, stating that the chants crossed a line and reaffirming Glastonbury's stance against antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence[3]. The UK government joined the criticism, calling for the BBC to explain how the performance was broadcast live[3].
Following the incident, Avon and Somerset Police initiated an investigation into possible hate speech or incitement. The BBC issued a warning for discriminatory language and removed the performance from on-demand streaming[2].
The controversy had significant international repercussions. The Trump administration revoked U.S. visas for the members of Bob Vylan, citing their inflammatory remarks about Israel[4]. This decision potentially affected their ability to perform globally, including their scheduled tour with US group Gogol Bordello.
However, the controversy did not go unchallenged. Bob Vylan defended the slogan as legitimate criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Gogol Bordello, initially removing the duo from their lineup after the incident, reopened the conversation following the band's explanations. The shows in Germany were ultimately cancelled by the organisers and venues[5].
The incident sparked a national debate on free expression and political activism in music, with some defending the duo's right to express their views and others condemning the chant as hate speech. The controversy has highlighted the challenges faced by artists who engage in political activism, particularly concerning sensitive geopolitical issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the challenges, Bob Vylan plans to perform in Europe in the coming months for both festivals and their own shows, albeit not as part of Gogol Bordello's tour. The police are still investigating possible offenses and examining if it was a case of hate crime. The BBC, which broadcast the performance live, also faced severe criticism.
In conclusion, the incident at the Glastonbury Festival has underscored the complexities of free speech and political activism in music, particularly when addressing sensitive geopolitical issues. The controversy has had far-reaching consequences for Bob Vylan, potentially affecting their ability to perform globally and sparking a national debate on the subject.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/26/glastonbury-2025-kneecap-bob-vylan-political-statement-israel-palestine [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59465609 [3] https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/glastonbury-2025-israeli-embassy-condemns-bob-vylan-chant-death-death-idf-1.561957 [4] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel-music-idUSKBN25M2BK [5] https://www.nme.com/news/music/bob-vylan-cancel-european-tour-gogol-bordello-controversy-3451612
- Despite the controversy, discussions about free speech and political activism in music, particularly on sensitive geopolitical issues, have been intensified on social media.
- Meanwhile, the entertainment industry continues to thrive, with music releases and new collaborations dominating pop-culture discussions alongside general news.
- In a surprising turn of events, the political stance of Bob Vylan and their inciting performance at Glastonbury has become a major point of contention in crime-and-justice debates, with arguments for and against their actions.
- The Commission, however, remains focused on its original mandate to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community, recognizing the importance of preserving our shared home amidst these complex political issues.
