Bob Vylan’s U.S. Tour Cancelled After Glastonbury Fallout — Starmer Slams “Appalling Hate Speech”

1 July 2025 rocknews

The fallout from Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance has officially gone international. The punk-rap duo’s upcoming U.S. tour has been cancelled after the State Department revoked their visas, citing “hateful tirades” and chants that glorify violence. The move comes amid mounting political pressure and a growing media storm, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemning the performance as “appalling hate speech.”

The Flashpoint at Glastonbury

During their set on the West Holts Stage, frontman Bobby Vylan led thousands in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The phrase “From the river to the sea” was also used — a slogan that’s become a lightning rod in global discourse around the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The performance was broadcast live by the BBC, prompting immediate backlash. The broadcaster later pulled the set from iPlayer and issued a statement expressing regret, saying the comments were “deeply offensive” and “utterly unacceptable.”

Tour Cancelled, Visas Revoked

Bob Vylan were scheduled to kick off a 16-date North American tour this October, supporting New Jersey rapper Grandson. But on Monday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the duo’s visas had been revoked:

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau posted.

The cancellation effectively halts the band’s expansion into the American market — a major blow for a group that’s been steadily rising through the UK’s punk and grime scenes.

Starmer Demands Accountability

Back home, Prime Minister Keir Starmer didn’t mince words. He called the chants “appalling hate speech” and demanded an explanation from the BBC for airing the performance:

“There is no excuse for this kind of hate speech,” Starmer said. “The BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also weighed in, speaking directly with BBC Director General Tim Davie and reaffirming the government’s stance against antisemitism and incitement to violence.

Police Investigation Underway

Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into the performance, reviewing video footage and audio recordings to determine whether any hate crime statutes were violated. A senior detective has been assigned to lead the inquiry.

Bob Vylan Responds

Despite the backlash, Bobby Vylan stood by his statements. In a post on Instagram, he wrote:

“I said what I said… Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”

The duo, formed in Ipswich in 2017, have built a reputation for confronting racism, classism, and political hypocrisy head-on. But this latest controversy has pushed them from underground agitators to headline-grabbing provocateurs.

What Comes Next?

With their U.S. tour scrapped and talent agency UTA dropping them from its roster, Bob Vylan’s future is uncertain. Yet the band’s name is now etched into the global conversation — not just as musicians, but as lightning rods in the culture war over protest, censorship, and artistic freedom.

Whether this moment marks a career setback or a new chapter in their evolution remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Bob Vylan isn’t backing down — and neither is the storm surrounding them.