Bob Vylan has issued a strong statement on social media following the controversy spurred by their performance at Glastonbury Festival. The punk duo’s set—aired on BBC iPlayer before Kneecap’s—was pulled by the broadcaster after viewers expressed outrage over a chant led by Bobby Vylan calling for “death to the IDF.”
In the wake of the incident, political figures including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the chant as “appalling,” intensifying the public debate around the performance. Despite the backlash, Bobby Vylan remained unapologetic, declaring on Instagram, “I said what I said.”
In a reflective and extended post, Bobby shared a glimpse into his personal life, recounting a moment listening to his daughter’s feedback on her school’s meal options. He used this to highlight the importance of empowering future generations to advocate for change. “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 wrote.
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He further urged adults not to lose their activist spirit, emphasizing the need for visible participation in social causes: “Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.” Bobby concluded with a poignant call for progress: “Today is a change in school dinners, tomorrow it is a change in foreign policy.”
The BBC responded to the incident by explaining their decision to remove Bob Vylan’s set from the iPlayer. Acknowledging the offensive nature of some remarks made during the performance, the corporation noted that a warning was displayed during the live stream about the strong and discriminatory language, and confirmed there are no plans to make the footage available on demand.
The controversy arose after Bobby Vylan led the chant “Death, death to the IDF” on the West Holts Stage, sparking distress among viewers. This prompted condemnation from Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the Prime Minister alike. Avon and Somerset Police also announced they were reviewing video evidence to determine if any criminal offenses had occurred.
Glastonbury Festival organizers publicly addressed the issue on Sunday, stating that the comments had “crossed a line.” They reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to opposing war and terrorism and promoting “hope, unity, peace and love.”