Councillor takes legal action in attempt to cancel Bob Vylan's Dublin gig

An Independent Ireland councillor has launched legal proceedings in at attempt to stop Bob Vylan's upcoming show at Vicar Street in Dublin on November 26.

The UK punk duo, known for their outspoken views on a range of social and political issues, as well as their support for Palestine, have been in the spotlight and drawing criticism since their set at Glastonbury in June.

During the performance, frontman Bobby Vylan led chants of "Death to the IDF", referencing the Israel Defense Forces. This prompted a number of complaints from viewers and commentators, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who labelled the chants as “appalling hate speech”.

The broadcaster’s Executive Complaints Unit determined that the performance had not breached impartiality or incited violence, but it did find that it violated editorial standards due to “anti-Semitic remarks and pro-Palestinian slogans.” The footage was removed from the BBC’s on-demand platforms.

On Monday, Independent South Dublin County Councillor Linda de Courcy appeared before Dublin District Court to object to the venue’s music and dance licence. She said she was representing TD Ken O’Flynn, who had contacted the venue about the event but had not received a reply.

Dorothy Collins, solicitor for Liberty Venues Ltd which operates Vicar Street, said she had not been made aware of any objections prior to the hearing.

Judge Máire Conneely directed that any formal objection must be submitted in writing within three weeks, giving the venue time to respond. The case was adjourned until November 17.

Bob Vylan had their U.S. visas revoked In June. Earlier this month, a scheduled show in the Netherlands was cancelled after Bobby Vylan's remarks on the murder of right-wing American political commentator Charlie Kirk.