Bob Vylan Faces Backlash and Visa Revocation After Glastonbury Performance

London-based punk-rap duo Bob Vylan is at the center of a major controversy after their performance at Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2025, where frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of “death, death to the IDF” and “free, free Palestine,” referencing the Israel Defense Forces. The BBC livestreamed the set, broadcasting the chants to a national audience before issuing an on-screen warning about “very strong and discriminatory language”. The performance was swiftly condemned by festival organizers, political leaders, and the Israeli embassy, with Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis stating the comments “crossed a significant line” and that “there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence”.

The BBC later expressed regret for not pulling the livestream, calling the remarks “antisemitic” and “deeply offensive,” and confirmed the set would not be available on demand. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the performance as “appalling hate speech,” and Ofcom, the British broadcasting regulator, launched an investigation into the BBC’s handling of the incident. Avon and Somerset Police are reviewing footage to assess whether any criminal offenses were committed, with a senior detective appointed to lead the inquiry.

In a significant escalation, the US Department of State revoked Bob Vylan’s visas, canceling their planned fall tour. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau stated, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country”. The band was also dropped by their talent agency, United Talent Agency, in the wake of the controversy.

Bobby Vylan defended the performance on social media, posting, “I said what I said,” and called for a change in foreign policy. The incident has ignited debates over the boundaries of free speech and political expression at major music festivals. Glastonbury organizers noted that while the festival does not endorse all performers’ views, the remarks made by Bob Vylan were “dismaying” and not representative of the festival’s values. The controversy continues to unfold as authorities and regulators assess the legal and ethical implications of the performance.