Punk duo Bob Vylan faces backlash and criminal investigation following their Glastonbury set. Organizers cancel appearances at music festivals in Manchester and France.
Bob Vylan Dropped from Manchester Music Festival
Punk duo Bob Vylan has been dropped from the line-up of a music festival in Manchester following their controversial appearance at Glastonbury.
The group had been due to headline the Radar Festival at Victoria Warehouse on Saturday, but organizers confirmed in a statement, they would no longer appear. In response, Bob Vylan posted a statement on Instagram, telling fans: "Manchester, we will be back."
Controversial Glastonbury Performance
At Glastonbury, Bob Vylan's lead singer led the crowd in chants of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]", prompting criticism from across the political spectrum, including the prime minister who called it "appalling hate speech".
The singer also mentioned a record label boss he used to work for, who supported Israel and had tried to cancel another group's performance. Bob Vylan responded to the outcry, saying they had been "targeted for speaking up" and clarified that they are not for the death of any group of people but against violence.
Police Investigation and Further Cancellations
A criminal investigation into the Glastonbury performance has been launched, and the band is also under investigation for comments made during a concert at Alexandra Palace. Various music festivals, including the French Kave Fest and a German venue, have canceled Bob Vylan's appearances.
The group has reaffirmed their position, stating that silence is not an option and that they stand with the people of Palestine. The BBC has been criticized for broadcasting the controversial Glastonbury set.
Reactions and Statements
BBC director general Tim Davie expressed his appall at the band's behavior, while Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis strongly criticized the airing of antisemitism at Glastonbury. The BBC and broadcast regulator Ofcom have faced scrutiny for the live stream.
Despite the cancellations, Bob Vylan reiterated their stance on the issues and vowed to continue their activism. The band's future at other events remains uncertain as investigations continue.
Published on 28 July 2025 by UKFG
