Bob Vylan, a punk duo consisting of singer and guitarist Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, led crowds in chants of ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Demise to the IDF’ on Saturday afternoon, prompting fury from supporters of Israel on social media.
Police have launched a probe into the efficiency by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury on Saturday over chants of “loss of life to the IDF”.
Bob Vylan, a punk duo consisting of singer and guitarist Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, led crowds in chants of ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Demise to the IDF’ on Saturday afternoon, prompting fury from supporters of Israel on social media.
The efficiency was streamed stay on the BBC forward of Kneecap ‘s extremely anticipated efficiency.
The broadcaster had determined to not air the Irish rap trio stay and as a substitute mentioned their present could be put on-line at a later date. It got here amid calls from Keir Starmer for Kneecap to be faraway from the lineup.
Nonetheless, Glastonbury bosses made the choice to maintain them on the competition, which attracted a large crowd. So many followers flocked to the West Holts stage whereas duo Bob Vylan was on, that the realm turned too full to permit any extra individuals in.
Throughout their efficiency, Bob Vylan confirmed their assist for Palestine as a big message appeared on the display behind them. It learn: “Free Palestine. United Nations have known as it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘battle’.”
Bobby known as out chants “Free Free Palestine” and “Demise Demise to the IDF,” [ Israel Defence Forces] as the big crowd shouted it again.
He then mentioned: “From the river to the ocean Palestine should be, will likely be, free.”
The duo shared their assist for Kneecap as they mentioned: “Lately an inventory was launched of individuals making an attempt to cease our mates Kneecap from performing right here right this moment. And who do I see on that f***ing listing, however that bald-headed c*** I used to f***ing work for.”
He spoke a couple of colleague at a file firm he used to work at, which was met by loud boos from the group. The singer later informed the group: “We’re seeing some f***ed up issues on the earth.
“We’re seeing the UK and the US be complicit in battle crimes and genocide occurring over there to the Palestinian individuals. And I do know we’re on the BBC, we’re not going to say something loopy. Go away that for them lads, you realize what I imply.
“However sadly we have now seen an odd response to those that come out and voice assist for Palestine. Although anyone with any ethical compass can absolutely see that what is going on over there in Gaza is a tragedy.”
Bobby added: “We aren’t pacifist punks right here over at Bob Vylan Enterprises. We’re the violent punks, as a result of generally, it’s a must to get your message throughout with violence as a result of that’s the solely language some individuals converse.”
Bob Vylan acquired large assist from these on the stage at Glastonbury in addition to on-line, whereas some others disagreed with their message on social media. One individual commented: “Is not it imagined to be a music content material?”
One other added: “That is nothing however vile.”
Police have since mentioned they’re monitoring footage from the stage that each Bob Vylan and Kneecap carried out on.
Avon and Somerset police posted on X: “We’re conscious of the feedback made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Pageant this afternoon.
“Video proof will likely be assessed by officers to find out whether or not any offences could have been dedicated that will require a prison investigation.”
The Labour authorities has ‘strongly condemned’ the scenes aired stay on the BBC.
The battle in Gaza has now claimed the lives of greater than 56,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s Well being Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants. The ministry states that greater than half of the lifeless have been ladies and kids.
About 50 hostages stay in Gaza, with lower than half believed to be alive. They have been amongst round 250 hostages taken throughout a Hamas assault on Israel on seventh October 2023, igniting an assault that has lasted for 21 months.
Hamas has constantly said its willingness to launch all hostages in return for an finish to the Gaza battle. Nonetheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists he’ll solely stop hostilities as soon as Hamas is disarmed and exiled; a proposition the group has refused.
It’s understood that Bob Vylan’s efficiency can now not be rewatched on BBC iPlayer as protection of the West Holts stage at Glastonbury solely goes again to round 5pm.
In response, Dwelling Secretary Yvette Cooper has demanded an “pressing clarification” from Tim Davie, the BBC’s Director Normal.
A authorities spokesperson mentioned: “We strongly condemn the threatening feedback made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.
“The Tradition Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director Normal to hunt an pressing clarification about what due diligence it carried out forward of the Bob Vylan efficiency, and welcomes the choice to not re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
