Punk duo face cancellations, police investigations and BBC criticism after anti-IDF chant

Punk band Bob Vylan have been dropped from multiple music festivals following a firestorm of backlash over chants made during their Glastonbury performance—words now at the centre of two police investigations and a fierce public debate on free speech versus hate speech.

The London-based duo, known for their politically charged music, were due to headline the Radar Festival in Manchester this Saturday. But organisers confirmed on Wednesday that the band had been removed from the line-up, citing the controversy surrounding their Worthy Farm set.

That Glastonbury set, streamed live on BBC iPlayer, featured frontman Bobby Vylan leading the crowd in chanting “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]”—a moment that triggered widespread condemnation across political, media, and cultural circles.

In the days since, the band has also been removed from France’s Kave Fest, scheduled for Sunday, and from an upcoming Gogol Bordello show in Cologne, Germany, where they were set to open.

The fallout escalated further with the announcement of two police investigations. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a criminal probe into the Glastonbury performance. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police disclosed a separate inquiry into alleged similar comments made by the band during a 28 May concert at Alexandra Palace.

While no charges have been filed, the band’s actions are under scrutiny for potentially inciting hatred, a line authorities and critics alike believe may have been crossed.

The prime minister branded the chant “appalling hate speech.” The UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, condemned what he called the “airing of vile Jew-hate” during one of the country’s most prominent cultural events.

In a strongly worded message to BBC staff, Director General Tim Davie said he was “appalled” by the performance, calling it “deeply offensive and totally unacceptable.” Davie admitted the broadcaster erred by not halting the live stream, adding that “there is absolutely no place for antisemitism at the BBC.”

Broadcast regulator Ofcom joined the criticism, saying it was “very concerned” and that “the BBC clearly has questions to answer.”

In response to the storm, Bob Vylan released a statement insisting they had been “targeted for speaking up”, adding: “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs, or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine.”

They acknowledged the backlash but stood firm, posting on Instagram: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting.” They also promised fans in Manchester that they would “be back.”

At the heart of the debate is whether the chant amounted to hate speech or was a legitimate political protest against Israel’s military. While Bob Vylan maintain their criticism was aimed at the Israeli military, not Jewish people, many felt the phrasing and delivery crossed into dangerous territory.

Organisers of Kave Fest, based in Gisors, France, have pledged to issue a full statement explaining their decision to drop the act. The Cologne venue followed suit shortly after, pulling the band from the September lineup.

Meanwhile, BBC leadership faces internal and external pressure to examine its editorial safeguards. Davie has signalled that a “full review” of live broadcast protocols is underway.

For Bob Vylan, the road ahead remains uncertain. While they retain a loyal base of fans, the backlash shows little sign of abating.