Bob Vylan Fallout: Glastonbury Set Sparks Investigations, Cancellations, and Culture War Frenzy

July 2, 2025 rocknews

In a whirlwind of controversy that’s gripped the music world and spilled into political discourse, punk-rap duo Bob Vylan have become the centre of a firestorm following their incendiary set at Glastonbury Festival 2025. What began as a politically charged performance has now escalated into a multi-layered saga involving police investigations, festival cancellations, visa revocations, and a media frenzy that shows no signs of slowing.

The Set That Sparked It All

On June 28, Bob Vylan took to the West Holts stage, delivering a set that fused raw energy with unapologetic political messaging. Behind them, screens projected slogans like “Free Palestine – United Nations have called it a genocide – the BBC calls it a ‘conflict’”. But it was frontman Bobby Vylan’s chant of “death, death to the IDF” that ignited immediate backlash.

The performance, livestreamed by the BBC, drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the broadcast “a problem of leadership,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau labelled the act “appalling hate speech”.

Police Investigations Multiply

The Avon and Somerset Police swiftly launched a criminal investigation, classifying the incident as a public order offence. A senior detective has been appointed to lead the inquiry, which will consider potential breaches of hate crime legislation.

The Metropolitan Police have now opened a second investigation into comments made by Bob Vylan during their Alexandra Palace gig in May, where Bobby Vylan reportedly declared: “Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel.”

BBC Under Fire

The BBC’s decision to livestream the Glastonbury set has triggered internal turmoil. Executives have since admitted the performance “should have been pulled”, and Director-General Tim Davie, who was reportedly present at the festival, has faced calls for accountability.

The broadcaster has issued a formal apology, stating that the “antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves”.

Fallout Across the Industry

The repercussions have been swift and severe:

Radar Festival in Manchester dropped Bob Vylan from their headline slot.
Kave Fest in France and a Cologne venue also cancelled appearances.
United Talent Agency (UTA) severed ties with the band.
US visas were revoked, derailing their upcoming North American tour.
Their support slot for Gogol Bordello in Germany has been axed.

Bob Vylan Responds

In a series of Instagram posts, Bob Vylan have remained defiant. They insist their chants were aimed at dismantling a “violent military machine,” not inciting hatred against any group. “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,” they wrote. “We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last.”

Culture War Erupts

The controversy has become a lightning rod for broader ideological battles. Right-leaning YouTube channels and commentators have seized the moment to lambast the left wing politics of Glastonbury, accusing the music industry of enabling extremism. Meanwhile, artists like Massive Attack have defended Bob Vylan’s right to speak out, urging the media to refocus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Disturbed’s David Draiman Weighs In

Adding fuel to the fire, Disturbed frontman David Draiman posted a video condemning Bob Vylan’s comments, stating that “acts of violence have no place in music.” Draiman, a vocal supporter of Israel, has previously drawn criticism for signing an IDF artillery shell with the phrase “F**k Hamas” during a visit to an Israeli military base.

His condemnation can only be met with mixed reactions — some will praise his stance against incitement, others will accuse him of hypocrisy given his own controversial gesture.

Media Ethics Under Scrutiny

The controversy took a darker turn when the Daily Mail published an exclusive revealing the real names of Bob Vylan’s members, breaking the band’s long-standing commitment to anonymity. The article, written in a triumphalist tone, framed the reveal as a victory for transparency — but it could be argued it was more about spectacle than substance.

While the Mail did not publish home addresses, those details have since surfaced independently on social media, raising serious concerns about the band’s safety. The timing of the Mail’s exposé, amid police investigations and widespread backlash begs the question whether the outlet’s editorial choices were ethically sound — or simply opportunistic.

What’s Next?

Despite the backlash, Bob Vylan remain booked for Boardmasters Festival in August. Whether that slot holds is anyone’s guess. With investigations ongoing and public opinion sharply divided, the duo’s future hangs in the balance.