Bob Vylan, the English punk duo, just lately had their U.S. visas revoked by the Trump administration attributable to a controversial incident on the Glastonbury competition on June 28. Frontman Bobby Vylan led a chant of “Loss of life, dying to the IDF,” which has drawn vital backlash from numerous figures, together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Glastonbury organizers, and the BBC, the latter of which has apologized for airing the mantra concentrating on the Israeli Protection Forces. At present, British police are investigating whether or not the duo’s statements might be labeled as felony conduct, in line with BBC Information.
The duo has been outspoken of their assist for Palestine, significantly in opposition to the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing navy actions in Gaza and the West Financial institution. Throughout their efficiency, a backdrop displayed provocative messages equivalent to, “The United Nations have known as it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘battle.’” On stage, Bobby Vylan addressed the viewers saying, “Generally we now have to get our message throughout with violence as a result of that’s the one language some individuals converse, sadly.” Following the uproar, he took to Instagram to emphasise a dedication to encourage kids to advocate for the adjustments they search. He said, “Allow them to see us marching within the streets, campaigning on floor degree, organizing on-line, and shouting about it on any and each stage that we’re supplied.”
Bob Vylan had been scheduled to tour america in October and November, however these plans are actually unsure. Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state, took to X to announce the revocation of the band’s visas, citing the “hateful tirade” at Glastonbury and the lead-up to dying chants as unacceptable conduct. He added, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred usually are not welcome guests to our nation.” As a consequence, Bob Vylan has additionally been dropped by their company, United Expertise Company.
The organizers of Glastonbury expressed their dismay on social media, stating they had been “appalled by the statements made out of the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan.” Whereas many different artists made pro-Palestinian statements on the competition, the presence of Palestinian flags was prominently famous amongst festival-goers. Amyl and the Sniffers defended Bob Vylan and Kneecap, indicating that whereas many artists conveyed comparable sentiments, Bob Vylan’s chants “very a lot crossed a line.” A number of voices, together with British politicians and the BBC, have framed the group’s feedback as antisemitic.
Moreover, British police are additionally wanting into Kneecap’s efficiency at Glastonbury, though it stays unclear which features of their present are being investigated. Starmer beforehand known as for the group to be faraway from the competition lineup earlier than the occasion occurred. In an uncommon transfer, the BBC, which usually broadcasts steady protection from Glastonbury’s essential phases, selected to not air Kneecap’s efficiency. Nonetheless, they later offered an unedited model of the set on their iPlayer platform. Notably, Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, often known as Mo Chara, just lately confronted court docket on terror prices associated to allegations of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a live performance in 2024.
