Rappers’ Fiery Glastonbury Sets Prompt Government Reaction
Big music festivals often find themselves at the center of heated debates, and this year’s Glastonbury was no exception. What started as a weekend of music and celebration turned controversial after two acts, Bob Vylan and Kneecap, made comments on stage that have sparked a police review and a strong backlash from government officials. Here’s what went down.
On Saturday, rap punk duo Bob Vylan took to Glastonbury’s West Holts stage. During their set, frontman Bobby Vylan led chants of “free, free Palestine” before yelling “death, death to the IDF” - referring to the Israeli Defense Forces.
The performance was broadcast live on the BBC, and it wasn’t long before reactions poured in. The Israeli Embassy said on social media that it was “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric.”
Meanwhile, the BBC admitted some of the language was - “deeply offensive” and included an on-screen warning about “very strong and discriminatory language.” The broadcaster also announced that Bob Vylan’s performance wouldn’t be available to rewatch on BBC iPlayer.
In a statement, Glastonbury organizers tried to distance themselves from the controversy, saying,
“Glastonbury Festival does not condone hate speech or incitement to violence of any kind from its performers.”
The government didn’t waste time responding either. A spokesperson confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy spoke directly with BBC director general Tim Davie, demanding an “urgent explanation about what due diligence” the broadcaster had done before airing the act. The government also said it welcomed the BBC’s decision not to make the set available on iPlayer.
Irish rap group Kneecap, amid terror charges, cursed PM Starmer at Glastonbury.
Right after Bob Vylan, Irish-language rap group Kneecap took the stage. Kneecap has been in the headlines recently because one of its members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - also known as Mo Chara - faces a terrorism-related charge.
He’s accused of displaying the flag of Hezbollah, a banned terrorist group, at a show last year. He’s denied the charge and is currently out on bail after a court hearing in London just two weeks ago.
During Kneecap’s Glastonbury set, they didn’t hold back. The group launched expletive-filled chants aimed at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, after he’d previously said their appearance at the festival was “not appropriate.”
Their performance was watched by thousands in the crowd, making sure the moment didn’t go unnoticed.
Police are reviewing recordings to see if Bob Vylan’s and Kneecap’s sets broke any laws.
Avon and Somerset Police have since confirmed they’re reviewing what happened on the West Holts stage. Officers will look over recordings of both Bob Vylan’s and Kneecap’s sets to figure out whether any laws were broken. If they find that offenses were committed, a criminal investigation could follow.
A police spokesperson said footage “will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
It’s not yet clear what the outcome of the police review will be. What is clear is that both performances have ignited strong reactions and debates over freedom of expression, incitement to violence, and the responsibilities of both artists and broadcasters.
While many see Glastonbury as a place where artists can speak their minds, these sets have raised tough questions about where to draw the line between protest and hate speech, and who should be held accountable when that line gets crossed.
