The Scratch pull out of Radar Festival following Bob Vylan cancellation

Taking to social media this morning, The Scratch have announced that they will no longer be performing at Manchester's Radar Festival this weekend – in solidarity with Bob Vylan, who were pulled from the line-up due to comments made during their recent Glastonbury performance.

The UK duo have have been dropped from multiple festivals, and have had their visas revoked by the US, following their set – during which frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in "death to the IDF" and "free Palestine" chants.

While the BBC have claimed that they "deeply regret" broadcasting "such offensive and deplorable behaviour", multiple bands have spoken out in support of Bob Vylan, while also urging the media to redirect their attention to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The Scratch – who were due to play Radar Festival this Sunday – have stated today that the "censorship and deplatforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged."

"To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival," their statement continues. "We understand it was an incredibly difficult and complex situation. This is about showing solidarity with Bob Vylan and any artist who may face similar treatment in the future.

"Shadowy government influence and wealthy lobbying groups should not be allowed dictate who is given a platform and what can be said on it.

"This situation will only worsen unless we, as artists, support one another and take action. Get Netanyahu to the ICJ. Up Bob Vylan. Free Palestine."

 

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The Ravers For Palestine, DJs Against Palestine, and Punks Against Apartheid groups have also called for "a full boycott" of Radar Festival.

"We call on all artists booked at Radar to withdraw until Bob Vylan is reinstated, and an apology issued," their own statement reads.