Bob Vylan release new statement following criminal investigation announcement

UK punk rap duo Bob Vylan have shared a joint statement following news that a criminal investigation into their and Kneecap’s performances at this year's Glastonbury festival had been launched.

Both performances took place back to back on the West Holts stage on Saturday 28 and saw Bob Vylan lead a chant of “death, death to the IDF,” in reference to the Israel Defense Forces. Kneecap’s set was not broadcast live on the BBC due to editorial concerns concerning impartiality.

Today, the Avon and Somerset Police released a statement reading: "Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap's performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed.

"Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation. This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage."

Reacting to the news earlier today, Bob Vylan posted a statement on social media captioned “silence is not an option”, and introduced with the words “Not the first. Not the last.” in all caps.

“Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace,” the duo wrote. “Last week it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band.”

Denying previous accusations of antisemitism, they added that “we are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use ‘unnecessary lethal force against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.”

“We,” they continued, “like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story, and whatever sanction we receive will be a distraction.”

“We are being targeted for speaking up,” the group concluded. “We are not the first. We will not be the last. And if you care about the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up, too. Free Palestine.”

 

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Since Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set, a number of artists have come to the forefront to support the group. In an Instagram story, Lambrini Girls wrote: “All good for bands to be political as long as it’s digestible and commodifiable. when it’s actually NEEDED and warranted and pushing against the true status quo – then time after time again, historically it’s proven that mass media and the government will villainise artists – look at Public Enemy, Nina Simone, Rage Against The Machine.”

“Art creates emotional resonance in ways that speeches or articles sometimes can’t,” the statement continued. “It’s why oppressive regimes often target artists, musicians, and writers FIRST. Art is one of the most powerful tools we have for activism, they go hand in hand. Don’t be fooled into thinking it was anything other than protest. Fucking free Palestine.”

Fellow punk band Amyl & The Sniffers had already taken to social media to defend Bob Vylan – however the band’s drummer Bryce doubled down by writing: “Where do you think your anger should be directed? Are you uncomfortable hearing about genocide in Gaza? Take a beat and think about why musicians take political and social stances against injustices across the world. We have a platform that millions of others don’t, why expect everyone to be silent?

“Look at your politicians and government and how they respond to this,” he continued. “This conversation is once again distracted from the real issue of innocent Palestinians’ lives and family lines being obliterated. Have a think about who the real villains are in this story.”

Meanwhile, the band Soft Play also showed their support to the punk duo by writing: “Again the media is trying to distract you from the real story. The outrage sparked over our brothers Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury is merely a smoke screen for the lack of reporting on the destruction of the Palestinian people. They are starving children, where is the media’s outrage at Israel’s continued obliteration of a whole nation? Israel are war criminals. Don’t let them distract you. Free Palestine.”

Bob Vylan were also reportedly dropped by their agent United Talent Agency and had their US visas revoked, although they were due to open for Grandson on his UK tour this year. The artist also took to social media to defend the band, saying that “Censorship of art is a tactic of control. They blame artists and activists and not those responsible for the conditions we rage against. From the death spiral of corporate greed and climate change to the genocide of Palestinian lives, the music and the artists are not the problem, we are the symptom of a sick world.”

“As a Jewish artist,” he added, “I am deeply offended by the conflation of criticism against a military force known for their indiscriminate violence with antisemitism. The Israeli government has done more to exacerbate antisemitism this past 2 years than any statements by artists advocating for Palestinian freedom and solidarity. Bob Vylan are the one feature on my album and that feature will go on. If they have the opportunity to come to the United States, they will join us on the Inertia tour as planned.”

Criticising the punk duo and Kneecap for their Glastonbury sets, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: "I said that Kneecap should not be given a platform and that goes for any other performers making threats or inciting violence."

The UK’s chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has also condemned the BBC’s handling of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury festival performance, while calling the group’s actions “vile Jew-hatred”, adding that this was “a time of national shame”.

Since Hamas’ attacks on Israel in October 2023, the UN has found Israel’s military actions on Gaza to be related to genocide. At least 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.