Recommendations of the Editorial team
Those responsible for the Glastonbury Festival said that they are “horrified” about statements by the rap duo Bob Vylan during their appearance At the festival yesterday’s day.
Rapper Bobby Vylan led the audience on the West Holt’s Stage to speech choirs such as “Free, Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF [Israel Defence League]“An.
In a statement published by festival chief Emily Eavis on social media, the organizers said that they were “horrified” about the statements.
“The Glastonbury Festival was founded in 1970 as a place where people can come together and celebrate music, art and the best human creation. We act against any form of war and terrorism as a festival. We believe in – and actively work for – hope, unity, peace and love,” says the statement.
“No tolerance for hate speech or calls for violence”
“With almost 4,000 appearances on the Glastonbury 2025, it is inevitable that artists and speakers appear on our stages, the views of which we do not share. And the presence of an artist should never be understood as a tacit approval of his opinions and beliefs.”
“However, we are horrified at the statements that were made by Bob Vylan by West Holts Stage yesterday. Your calls clearly exceeded a limit. And we remind everyone involved in the festival production with emphasis that there is no place for anti -Semitism, hate speech or calls to violence at the Glastonbury Festival.”
The BBC made a similar statement. This confirmed that the performance will not be available on call.
“Some of the statements while Bob Vylan’s appearance were deeply offensive,” it said. “During this live broadcast on the IPlayer, which reflected the action on the stage, a warning was shown on the screen due to very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to provide performance on call.”
Police checks material – Minister of Culture is calling for Enlightenment
The police are currently examining the film material of the performance. Above all to evaluate whether crimes were committed. The “Independent” reports that Minister of Culture Lisa Nandy BBC General Director Tim Davie contacted “to obtain an urgent explanation of the care examination that was carried out in the run-up to the BOB Vylan appearance”.
Bob Vylan performed shortly before Kneecap, which delivered one of the most expected appearances of the weekend. The festival was under pressure. Among other things by Keir Strander. He called for the performance to be canceled after Liam ó Hannaidh from Kneecap was charged with a terrorist allegation. He was accused of showing a Hezbollah flag at the O2 forum in Kentish Town at the end of last year and called “Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah”.
Bob Vylan has not yet commented on the statements of the Glastonbury Festival.