Punk band Bob Vylan has issued a new statement following the launch of a police investigation into their Glastonbury set, claiming they are being “targeted for speaking up” after their comments onstage at Worthy Farm were branded antisemitic.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Bobby and Bobbie Vylan released a defiant response to mounting criticism over their Saturday performance.
Band’s Full Statement
“Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace,” the duo declared in their statement.
Last week it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band.
The band emphasized: “We are not for the death of jews, arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine.”
Military Machine Criticism
Bob Vylan specifically referenced Israeli military conduct in their statement.
A machine whose own soldiers were told to use ‘unnecessary lethal force’ against innocent civilians waiting for aid,” they wrote.
A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.
Government Distraction Claims
The duo accused authorities of using their case to avoid accountability.
“We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story,” they stated.
“The government doesn’t want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity?”
US Visa Revocation
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced Monday that Bob Vylan’s US visas had been revoked due to “their hateful tirade at Glastonbury.
The band was scheduled to tour the States in autumn, supporting Grandson, an American-Canadian singer whose real name is Jordan Edward Benjamin.
Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau posted on social media platform X.
Police Investigation Launched
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed Monday they had launched a probe into the performance after reviewing video footage and audio recordings.
A senior detective has been appointed to lead the investigation.
This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage,” a police spokesman said.
BBC Broadcast Controversy
While performing at Glastonbury this year, Bob Vylan led the crowd in chants of “Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces),” which was broadcast live by the BBC.
The BBC has expressed regret over not pulling Bob Vylan’s set from screens when it was streamed.
“The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves,” the corporation stated.
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the chants as “appalling hate speech.” Broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it is “very concerned” about the live stream.
On Monday, broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it is “very concerned” about the live stream.
The BBC acknowledged that “with hindsight, we should have pulled the stream during the performance.
Grandson Shows Solidarity
Taking to his TikTok page on Sunday, Grandson expressed solidarity with Bob Vylan, with whom he will release a song on his upcoming album.
“I stand with Bob Vylan,” he declared defiantly.
“They will continue to be on my record, and, should their visa make it possible for them to come to America, I look forward to rocking stages across North America with my bros, Bob Vylan.”
Upcoming Performances
Bob Vylan is expected to perform at Radar Festival in Manchester on Saturday. They are also scheduled to appear at the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.
The status of these performances remains unclear following the police investigation.
Kneecap Also Under Investigation
The investigation extends to Irish rap trio Kneecap, who took to the stage directly after Bob Vylan and led chants of “Free Palestine.
Kneecap’s performance immediately followed Bob Vylan’s controversial set on the West Holts stage.
Band Background
Frontman Bobby Vylan’s real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, according to reports. His band was formed in Ipswich in 2017.
He has long been outspoken on social issues and politics, with his music often criticising the British establishment, inequality, racism, sexism, and homophobia.
The duo combines punk, rap, and hardcore music in their performances.
Previous Statement on Activism
In a previous statement posted to Instagram, Robinson-Foster emphasized the importance of youth activism.
“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.
“As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”
Freedom of Speech Defense
The band’s Tuesday statement concluded with a call to action.
“We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last,” they declared.
And if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too.
They ended their statement with: “Free Palestine.”
Glastonbury Response
Meanwhile, Glastonbury organisers have said they are “appalled by the statements” made by the band.
The festival has faced criticism for allowing the performance to proceed despite controversy surrounding scheduled acts.
Industry Fallout
The BBC’s handling of the broadcast has raised questions about live event protocols.
Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC‘s output, but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive,” the BBC acknowledged.
The corporation confirmed it “took the decision not to make the performance available on demand.”
