UK police probe Bob Vylan, Kneecap over Glastonbury set

|

Bob Vylan is subject to a probe after leading chants calling for “death” to the Israeli army.
Bob Vylan is subject to a probe after leading chants calling for “death” to the Israeli army.

UK police have launched a criminal investigation into musician Bob Vylan and Irish rap band Kneecap’s performances at Glastonbury music festival after they led derogatory chanting about the Israeli military and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The police are investigating both groups over public order offences after reviewing video footage and audio from the performances on Saturday, the police statement said.

Vylan’s set included on-stage chants of “death, death to the IDF,” a reference to the Israel Defence Forces fighting a war in the Gaza strip, while Kneecap led chants against Starmer and condemned Israel in front of a huge crowd.

Public broadcaster BBC’s decision to keep Vylan’s set streaming live has been condemned by Starmer, in addition to drawing scrutiny from media regulator Ofcom.

“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling. There is absolutely no place in society for hate,” the police said.

The police said their investigation will consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.

The United States revoked visas for members of Bob Vylan, the US State Department said.

“The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a post on X on Monday.

Bob Vylan, known for mixing grime and punk rock, tackles a range of issues including racism, homophobia and the class divide in their songs and has previously voiced support for Palestinians.

Its lead vocalist, who goes by the stage name Bobby Vylan, appeared to refer to the weekend performance in a post on Instagram, writing: “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,” he added.

The State Department did not immediately give more details as to the names of those who had visas revoked and what kind of visas they were.

Bob Vylan is scheduled to play some concerts in the US in November.

Reuters