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Glastonbury organisers condemn Bob Vylan 'death to the IDF' chants

Glastonbury chiefs have condemned "death to the IDF" chants led by the punk rap band Bob Vylan on stage at the event.

Conflict in the Middle East and Israel's actions in Gaza have become a flashpoint at this year's festival - with Irish rappers Kneecap also courting controversy by airing their staunchly anti-Israel views in a set not shown live by the BBC.

During the punk rap duo's set on the West Holts Stage on Saturday frontman Bobby Vylan, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, led chants calling for the death of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Vylan also ranted about "f**king Zionists" during the set.

On Sunday, a statement shared on the Glastonbury and organiser Emily Eavis's Instagram page said they are "appalled" by the band's actions.

"Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence," the statement read.

"As a festival, we stand against all forms of war and terrorism - we will always believe in - and actively campaign for - hope, unity, peace and love."

They added that a performer's comments "should never be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs... With almost 4,000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, there will inevitably be artists and speakers appearing on our stages whose views we do not share."

Unlike Kneecap, Bob Vylan's set was aired live by the BBC. A BBC spokesperson previously said some of the comments made by the group were "deeply offensive". The performance will not be available on BBC iPlayer.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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