Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts stage this evening before Kneecap, who were attracting controversy ahead of their set
Bob Vylan’s set is being probed by police after their performance at Glastonbury Festival and leading chants of “Death to the IDF” while on stage. The duo have provoked backlash and condemnation for their actions – which many have expressed as unacceptable.
Police have confirmed they are investigating if the actions during Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s sets have amounted to criminal activity. Critics have looked on at the scenes that unfolded at Glastonbury with disgust and horror.
Here are the details of Bob Vylan and the outrage they have provoked.
Who are Bob Vylan and what did they do at Glastonbury 2025?
Bob Vylan is a band from England who make grime, punk rock and hip hop music. Formed in Ipswich in 2017, the group consists of singer Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan – however it is believed they are using stage names to protect their privacy.
They released their first album, We Live Here, in 2020 and this was followed by a second album titled Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life in 2022 and most recent record Humble as the Sun in 2024.
At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, the group sparked outrage when they took to the stage and chanted “Death to the IDF.” The IDF is the Israel Defense Forces – who have been at war with the terrorist organisation Hamas in Gaza since 2023.
What have the police said about Bob Vylan’s actions?
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are investigating the sets of West Holts stage including Bob Vylan.
The force posted on X: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
How have political leaders responded to Bob Vylan’s actions?
Politicians have slammed Bob Vylan for their comments. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also reportedly ordered the BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, to explain why the band’s performance was streamed on iPlayer
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has blasted the band, writing on X: “This is grotesque. Glorifying violence against Jews isn’t edgy. The West is playing with fire if we allow this sort of behaviour to go unchecked.
“The cultural establishment needs to wake up to the fact this isn’t protest, it’s incitement. Less than 2 years ago, hundreds were raped and murdered at a music festival. It’s not just the act but the gormless people clapping along and cheering. People with no idea what real terror is. They don’t understand the evil ideology they’re amplifying -and they don’t care”
And the Israeli embassy in the UK expressed deep concern in a statement, writing: “When such messages are delivered before tens of thousands of festivalgoers and met with applause, it raises serious concerns about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”
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