The Glastonbury music festival, known as Britain's largest, has been thrust into the spotlight of political controversy following a performance by the British punk band Bob Vylan. As the lead singer led the audience in chants declaring "Death, death to the I.D.F.," a reference to the Israeli Defense Forces, organizers swiftly condemned the statements.
The festival had already encountered scrutiny prior to the performance due to its decision to host Kneecap, an Irish-language rap group accused of voicing anti-Israel sentiments and facing a terrorism charge. Kneecap's set attracted significant attention, filling the arena well before Bob Vylan took the stage.
The statements from Bob Vylan's performance, broadcast live on BBC, elicited immediate backlash from UK politicians and various organizations. The Israeli embassy in the UK and certain Jewish groups criticized the festival for allegedly endorsing hate speech. Avon and Somerset police announced they were reviewing the performance footage to assess if any criminal acts had occurred.
In a statement shared on their Instagram accounts, Glastonbury Festival organizers, including Emily Eavis, emphasized, "With almost 4,000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, we recognize that some artists may express views we do not agree with. However, we are appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday."
