TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The chant of "Death, Death to IDF" rang out during a performance at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The crowd waved Palestinian flags of various sizes as Bob Vylan, the lead vocalist of the eponymous British punk-grime duo, led the chant on the West Holts Stage. The moment was captured and aired live by the BBC, drawing swift and widespread criticism from audiences and officials both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Avon and Somerset Police announced they were reviewing footage of the performance to determine whether any criminal offenses had occurred.
Glastonbury Festival organizers condemned the act, saying that it crossed the line and reaffirmed the event's zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism, hate speech, and any form of incitement to violence.
The chant, which targeted the Israel Defense Forces, came amid heightened global tensions over the genocide happening in Gaza.
Who is Bob Vylan?
Bob Vylan is a British music duo formed in Ipswich in 2017. The band consists of two members who use the stage names Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, with the frontman’s real name being Pascal Robinson-Foster.
Known for combining punk, grime, and hardcore influences, the band has built a reputation for politically charged lyrics that tackle racism, toxic masculinity, homophobia, and right-wing ideologies.
Their discography includes four full-length albums: Dread (2019), We Live Here (2020), Bob Vylan Presents The Price of Life (2022), and Humble as the Sun (2024). Their 2022 release received critical acclaim, earning them Best Alternative Music at the MOBO Awards and Best Album at the Kerrang Awards.
The duo's live performances are known for high energy, blending sampled guitar with live drumming and often prompting crowd activity like moshing and pogoing. However, the band emphasizes the importance of safety during shows.
In earlier performances, Bobby Vylan was known for confrontational stage props such as a baseball bat or sports jerseys of rival football clubs. At Glastonbury this year, he took a more personal approach by inviting his young daughter on stage to sing “Dream Bigger.”
Political and Official Reactions
The performance quickly drew condemnation from British government officials and prominent figures. UK Health Minister Wes Streeting described the chant as "appalling" and criticized both the BBC and Glastonbury organizers for allowing it to be broadcast.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanded an explanation from the BBC, while the Israeli Embassy in London called the chant inciteful and full of hatred, warning of the dangers of normalizing extremist rhetoric in public events.
The controversy did not end with Bob Vylan. Authorities are also reviewing comments made by members of the Irish rap trio Kneecap, who performed later at the festival.
One of their members wore a Palestine Action shirt, referring to a group that the UK government plans to designate as a terrorist organization. Kneecap’s frontman has previously faced terrorism-related charges linked to alleged support for Hezbollah and Hamas, both banned under UK law.
Global Fallout and U.S. Response
The incident gained traction internationally, particularly in the United States, where the government responded swiftly. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the U.S. visas of Bob Vylan’s members would be revoked.
In a public statement, he said that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome in the United States.
In response to the backlash, Bobby Vylan addressed the controversy on Instagram. His post, titled "I said what I said," reiterated his stance and emphasized the importance of raising children to speak up for justice.
However, the consequences were swift. Reports emerged that the band had been dropped by their management agency in the days following their Glastonbury performance.
The incident has reignited public debate over the limits of artistic expression, political activism in music, and the responsibilities of performers using large public platforms.
As the conversation continues, Bob Vylan's chant has become a flashpoint in the ongoing global discourse on free speech, protest, and accountability in the arts.
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