Bob Vylan: Glastonbury Duo’s Chant Criticized by Starmer

Police Review Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Performance

British police are reviewing video footage of rap punk duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set after one of the artists led chants that were criticized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as hate speech.

Rapper Bobby Vylan performed on the festival’s West Holts Stage on Saturday, beginning with the phrase “Free, free Palestine,” and later leading chants directed against the Israeli military.

Video footage showed the rapper saying, “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).”

The artist performed in front of a screen displaying the message: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict,’” referencing the UK’s public broadcaster, which was broadcasting the festival live.

Reactions from Officials and Organizations

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “there is no excuse for this kind of hate speech.”

The Israeli Embassy in the UK described the rhetoric as “inflammatory and hateful.”

It said that when chants such as “Death to the IDF” are made in front of large audiences, it raises concerns about the normalization of extremist language and the glorification of violence.

The Embassy called on Glastonbury Festival organizers, artists, and public leaders in the UK to denounce this rhetoric and reject all forms of hatred.

Glastonbury Festival released a statement expressing disapproval of Vylan’s remarks.

Organizers stated that the chants crossed a line and that all involved in the festival are being reminded that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence.

A BBC spokesperson stated that some comments made during Vylan’s performance were “deeply offensive.” The broadcaster streamed the set live but indicated it would not be available on demand through its iPlayer platform.

On Monday, the BBC stated that “with hindsight” Vylan’s performance should have been removed from the broadcast during the performance, adding that the corporation “respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.”

The BBC added that the antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were unacceptable and have no place on its airwaves.

CNN has contacted Vylan for comment.

Review of Kneecap’s Performance

Police are also reviewing video footage of a performance by Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, who performed on the same stage Saturday afternoon. After the performance, Starmer repeated his view that the group should not have been allowed to perform at the festival.

Starmer stated: “I said that Kneecap should not be given a platform and that goes for any other performers making threats or inciting violence.”

Prior to the festival, Kneecap member Liam O’Hanna (Mo Chara) was charged with a terrorism offense following an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police. The charge, which he has denied, relates to a November 2024 London performance where he allegedly displayed a flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed organization under UK law. Before the festival at Worthy Farm, Starmer said it was not appropriate for the group to perform.

Kneecap have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza but have stated they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah.

During the set, Chara told the audience that recent events had been “stressful” but that it was not comparable to “what the Palestinian people are going through.”

Kneecap rapper Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) responded to Starmer’s comments during the set, referencing the Prime Minister’s opposition to their performance.

Bap also referred to his bandmate’s upcoming court date, saying they would “start a riot outside the courts,” before clarifying, “I don’t want anybody to start a riot. No riots just love and support, and more importantly support for Palestine.”

Police and Government Responses

Police in Somerset, where the festival is held, stated they are “aware of the comments made by acts” and that “video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Vylan’s performance as “appalling” in an interview, adding that the BBC and Glastonbury organizers “have questions to answer.”

Streeting also addressed the Israeli embassy, stating that it should address issues related to the conduct of its own citizens and settlers in the West Bank, referencing recent reports of settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied territory.

This story has been updated with additional details.