Avon and Somerset Police have launched a legal investigation into the Glastonbury Pageant units of Bob Vylan and Kneecap, following public backlash and political scrutiny over remarks made throughout their respective performances on Saturday (June 29).
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Bob Vylan’s set, which was livestreamed on the BBC, featured a chant from frontman Bobby Vylan (Pascal Robinson-Foster) that included the phrase “demise to the IDF,” referencing the Israel Protection Forces. The BBC later issued an apology for not chopping the feed, describing the feedback as “antisemitic” and committing to reviewing its steerage for dwell broadcasts.
The competition has additionally shared an official response to the chants led by Vylan, saying it’s “appalled” by his feedback.
“Glastonbury Pageant was created in 1970 as a spot for folks to return collectively and rejoice in music, the humanities and the very best of human endeavour. As a competition, we stand towards all types of struggle and terrorism. We are going to all the time imagine in – and actively marketing campaign for – hope, unity, peace and love,” the assertion learn.
“With nearly 4,000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, there’ll inevitably be artists and audio system showing on our phases whose views we don’t share, and a performer’s presence right here ought to by no means be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs.
“Nonetheless, we’re appalled by the statements constituted of the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday. Their chants very a lot crossed a line and we’re urgently reminding everybody concerned within the manufacturing of the Pageant that there is no such thing as a place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy raised the difficulty in Parliament on Monday, saying she contacted the BBC’s director normal straight after the published. “Excellent questions stay,” she stated, together with “why the feed wasn’t instantly lower,” and “what due diligence had been executed” earlier than Bob Vylan’s efficiency was aired.
In a video response, Bobby Vylan defended his remarks, stating, “No matter the way it was stated, calling for an finish to the slaughter of innocents is rarely unsuitable,” whereas including, “This anger will not be directed at [Israeli] civilians.”
The band, who had been getting ready for a U.S. tour later this yr, have since had their American visas revoked based on reporting from BBC Information, with a U.S. State Division official writing on social media, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred usually are not welcome guests to our nation.”
The police investigation additionally contains the efficiency by Irish rap group Kneecap, whose politically charged set on the West Holts Stage drew one of many largest crowds of the weekend. Billboard beforehand reported that the sphere was closed off 45 minutes earlier than their set because of overcrowding, and their efficiency started with international information clips concerning the group, together with footage of Sharon Osbourne calling for his or her U.S. visas to be revoked.
Mo Chara, who appeared in courtroom in June on an unrelated terrorism cost that he denies, addressed the gang throughout the efficiency. “Mo Chara was within the Westminster courtroom this month,” stated bandmate Móglaí Bap. “He’s again in courtroom for a trumped-up terrorism cost.” He later advised the viewers, “The Prime Minister of your nation – not mine – stated he didn’t need us to play. So, f— Keir Starmer.”
The group additionally thanked the Eavis household, Glastonbury’s organisers, for standing by them amidst calls for his or her elimination. “The stress that the household was underneath [to drop us], however they stayed robust – honest play to them,” Mo Chara stated. Referencing the broader political backdrop, he added, “We’re from West Belfast, a spot that has skilled occupation. We perceive colonialism and we perceive how essential it’s to have worldwide solidarity.”
Though Kneecap’s efficiency was not livestreamed, the BBC later uploaded a largely unedited model of the set to iPlayer. The community has not commented on whether or not it is going to stay accessible.
As of Tuesday, no prices have been filed towards both act.
