The British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan has had their U.S. visas revoked and is now under police investigation in the UK after frontman Bobby Vylan led Glastonbury Festival attendees in a controversial chant calling for “death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
On Monday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the visa cancellations, calling the chant at the music festival a “hateful tirade.”
“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau posted on X.
The duo had been scheduled to begin a U.S. tour in October. However, the visa action comes as part of a broader U.S. crackdown on foreign nationals accused of promoting antisemitism or supporting terrorism.
The chant occurred during Bob Vylan’s Saturday performance on Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage, where Bobby Vylan shouted “Free, free Palestine,” then added, “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF.” Behind him, a screen displayed the message:
“The United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’”
The BBC had broadcast the performance live but confirmed it will not make the set available on its iPlayer platform. In a statement, the broadcaster admitted that “with hindsight,” the performance should have been cut from live coverage.
“The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves,” the BBC said.
In response to the backlash, Bobby Vylan posted on Instagram Sunday:
“I said what I said,”
adding that he’d received both support and hatred.
“Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way to make this world a better place.”
UK authorities are now conducting a criminal investigation. Police in Somerset confirmed Monday that they had reviewed video and audio of both Bob Vylan’s and Irish group Kneecap’s sets and determined that further inquiry is needed, particularly regarding potential hate crime legislation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the performance, calling it “appalling hate speech.” The Israeli Embassy in London also expressed concern, calling the act “deeply disturbing.”
Bob Vylan, known for blending punk, rap, and politically charged lyrics, frequently tackles issues such as racism, inequality, and social injustice.
Kneecap Also Under Scrutiny
The Glastonbury controversy wasn’t limited to Bob Vylan. Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap also drew political attention. Group member Liam O’Hanna, aka Mo Chara, is currently facing a terrorism-related charge after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 London performance.
During their Saturday set on the same stage, Chara referenced the scrutiny:
“This has been stressful, but it’s nothing compared to what the Palestinian people are going through.”
Bandmate Móglaí Bap directly addressed Prime Minister Starmer’s earlier comments suggesting they shouldn’t be allowed to perform:
“The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f**k Keir Starmer.”
Somerset police said their investigation into both performances is still in early stages and will involve assessing possible breaches of hate crime and public order laws.
As the fallout continues, questions are mounting about the boundaries of artistic expression at public events and the responsibilities of performers, broadcasters, and festival organizers in an increasingly polarized political climate.
