Bobby Vylan Position on Glastonbury IDF Chant: "Zero Remorse"

Punk duo lead singer of Bob Vylan has stated he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" act at the festival and declared he would "do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Disputed Exclamation and Political Reactions

This outspoken music duo sparked significant debate when they led audience chants of "down with the IDF," pointing to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June performance. This slogan was condemned by Glastonbury and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as "appalling hate speech."

Following the event, Bob Vylan was dropped by its representation United Talent Agency, and the US government cancelled the artists' travel documents, forcing the duo to call off a scheduled North American concert series.

Conversation with the Podcaster

In his first interview since the Glastonbury show, the musician, using his real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, conversed on a popular podcast. After questioned if he would do it all again, he replied:

"Oh yeah. Like what if I was to perform at the festival again tomorrow, yes I would do it again. I'm not regretful of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

The artist noted that the backlash the band encountered was "small compared to what people in Palestine are going through."

Regarding the Chant's Importance

"I aim not to exaggerate the significance of the slogan," he elaborated. "That's not what I'm trying to do, but since I have the Palestinian people's backing, these are the people that I'm advocating for, they're the people that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've upset some rightwing politician or some rightwing news outlet?"

Surprising Reaction and BBC Feedback

This musician claimed he was surprised by the outcry sparked by the chant, and asserted that members of the broadcaster employees at the event told him on the day that the performance was "excellent."

However, the broadcaster's executive complaints unit later determined that the network's airing of the show breached editorial guidelines in relation to offense and offence.

Vylan informed Theroux there was no indication of a controversy in the moment: "It wasn't like we came off stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It felt normal. We come off stage. It's normal. No one suspected anything. Not a soul. Including crew at the broadcaster were like 'That was fantastic! We loved that!'"

Response to Damon Albarn

The musician also hit back at the Blur singer, who called the chant "one of the most spectacular misfires I've witnessed in my life" and characterized him as "marching in tennis gear."

Albarn's reaction was "letdown" and "showed no self-awareness," he remarked.

"I need to say that labeling it as a 'spectacular misfire' implies that in some way the politics of the duo or our stance on Palestinian liberation is unplanned," he explained.

"I strongly object with the term 'marching' being used because it's typically associated around the Nazis," he added. "That's it. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his response was appalling."

Intent Behind the Slogan

When questioned what he meant by the chant "Death to the IDF," the artist said the chant itself was "insignificant."

"The key issue is the situation that persist to permit that protest to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in the region. In which the local people are being slain at an alarming rate. Who cares about the chant?" he said.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he noted: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, right? … We are there to entertain. We are there to sing songs. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Ideal slogan."

Rejection of Hate Speech Allegations

The musician also denied claims from the Community Security Trust, a watchdog and Jewish safety organisation, that their performance led to a rise in antisemitic incidents recorded two days.

"I don't think I have caused an hostile atmosphere for the Jewish people. Suppose there were many individuals of individuals going out and saying 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I might go, oof, I've had a bad impact here," he said.

Comparison with Different Bands

When he said he felt the duo had been targeted more heavily than others for voicing views about the situation, the host brought up the Irish group Kneecap, who have also encountered criticism for their method to pro-Palestine messaging.

"That's a notable point," he responded, "because as with all things race becomes a part in that we are an more convenient target, seriously, than they are because we are inherently the opponent."

Angela Hood
Angela Hood

A passionate writer and urban explorer sharing insights on city life and cultural trends.