UK punk-rap duo condemned for ‘Death to the IDF’ chants at Glastonbury

A punk-rap duo from the United Kingdom has sparked controversy after their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where they shouted anti-Israel rhetoric and called for the death of Israeli troops.

Bob Vylan, a London-based duo, describes themselves as the “prettiest punk/rap/alt thing you’ll ever meet.” Mixing elements of rap and punk, the group performed a high-energy set at the festival, using the platform to voice their political views.

During their set, singer Bobby Vylan shouted, “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces],” and had the crowd repeat the chant. The singer also shouted “Free, Free, Free Palestine” and made inflammatory statements about the Israeli military. Videos of the performance quickly spread online, leading to condemnation from political and festival officials.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the group’s actions “appalling hate speech,” and British police are reviewing the videos to determine if any criminal offenses were committed. The BBC, which broadcast the festival live, chose to remove Bob Vylan’s set from its iPlayer and issued a warning about the “discriminatory language” used during the performance.

In response to the controversy, Glastonbury Festival organizers released a statement on Instagram condemning the group’s statements. They emphasized that the festival stands against all forms of war and terrorism and does not endorse antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence.

Despite the backlash, another group, Kneecap, also performed at the festival and led a crowd in chants of “Free Palestine.” The group has faced controversy as well, with one of its members facing a terror charge for allegedly supporting Hezbollah.

Glastonbury Festival, known as Britain’s biggest summer music festival, draws nearly 200,000 music fans each year to Worthy Farm in southwest England. With about 4,000 acts performing on 120 stages, the festival is a cultural landmark in the UK.

The incident at Glastonbury highlights the intersection of music, politics, and activism, and the importance of responsibly using platforms to share messages. While artists have the freedom to express their views, it is essential to consider the impact of their words and ensure they do not promote hate or incite violence.

As the festival scene continues to evolve, organizers and performers alike must navigate these complex issues and strive to create a space that celebrates music, art, and unity while rejecting divisiveness and extremism.