Manchester, England — The punk duo Bob Vylan has been removed from the lineup of this weekend’s Radar Festival following backlash over their recent performance at Glastonbury. The group, which was slated to headline at Victoria Warehouse, will no longer take the stage as scheduled. Organizers confirmed the decision in an official statement but did not elaborate on the reasons behind it.
The cancellation of Bob Vylan’s performance at the Radar Festival comes on the heels of similar news from Kave Fest in France, where the band was also scheduled to perform. Organizers of Kave Fest indicated that they would release a detailed statement regarding their choice to withdraw the duo.
The controversy began at Glastonbury, where lead singer Bob Vylan stirred significant debate by leading the crowd in chants criticizing the Israeli Defense Forces. This sparked outrage from various political figures, including the UK Prime Minister, who condemned the remarks as “appalling hate speech.”
In response to the criticism, Bob Vylan took to Instagram, stating that their message had been misinterpreted. “We do not advocate for violence against any group, but rather oppose a militaristic regime,” they asserted. The band underlined that the recent events surrounding them are meant to distract from larger issues at hand.
Additionally, a concert in Cologne, Germany, where Bob Vylan was set to open for the American band Gogol Bordello, has also been canceled. The venue confirmed the withdrawal, reflecting a broader trend as the duo faces increased scrutiny in the wake of their Glastonbury performance.
The fallout has also drawn criticism towards the BBC, which aired the set live. The network has faced backlash for allowing what many described as antisemitic sentiments to be broadcast. The UK’s chief rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, expressed strong disapproval, labeling the content aired at Glastonbury as “vile Jew-hate.”
In an official statement, the BBC acknowledged it should have cut the live stream during the controversial segment. “Regrettably, the live situation should have been handled differently,” the statement read, as the organization sought to clarify its position amidst mounting public scrutiny.
Broadcast regulator Ofcom has expressed concern over the incident, indicating that the BBC may need to provide clearer explanations regarding their broadcast practices during live performances. The ongoing dialogue around this issue highlights the tension between artistic expression and societal values, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and media in sensitive political climates.