Bob Vylan Responds: ‘We’re Targeted for Our Bold Voice’ After Glastonbury Backlash

## Bob Vylan’s Controversial Performance

The British alt-rap duo Bob Vylan has sparked significant controversy regarding their stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. At a recent performance during the Glastonbury Festival, Bobby Vylan led the audience in chants of “Free, free Palestine,” and “Death, death to the IDF.” Following this, the duo faced severe consequences, including having their U.S. visas revoked ahead of their scheduled North American tour. Festival organizers also publicly denounced their actions, prompting an investigation by British authorities.

### Addressing the Backlash

In their initial response to the backlash, Bob Vylan sought to clarify their comments, asserting that the response they received was a “distraction from the real story.” They made it clear that they do not advocate for violence against any group but are firmly against the system that perpetuates violence.

> “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,” the duo stated on Instagram. “We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine… A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.”

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 55,000 people have been killed, with many more injured since the conflict escalated in October 2023. These numbers reflect only a fraction of the devastation, as many bodies remain inaccessible due to the ongoing destruction.

### Shifting the Conversation

Bob Vylan emphasized that their performance aimed to bring attention to systemic issues. They questioned why there is silence surrounding the atrocities occurring in Gaza, stating that discussions about them divert the focus from urgent government accountability.

> “The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction,” they noted. “We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last.”

Their sentiments echoed with their acknowledgment of ongoing attempts to silence dissenting voices in the artistic community, linking their backlash to previous events where artists and groups advocating for Palestinian rights have faced similar scrutiny.

### Support for Bob Vylan

Other artists have spoken out in support of Bob Vylan. The Belfast rap trio also performed at Glastonbury, despite opposition from political figures, and led chants advocating for Palestinian freedom.

Grandson, a collaborator scheduled to tour with Bob Vylan, expressed solidarity, stating, “If they have the opportunity to come to the United States, they will join us on the Inertia tour as planned.” He also emphasized that censorship of art serves as a means of control, arguing that artists ought to be seen as part of the solution rather than the problem.

> “As a Jewish artist, I am deeply offended by the conflation of criticism against a military force known for their indiscriminate violence with antisemitism,” he remarked.

### Moving Forward

The situation remains fluid as the duo and their supporters navigate the fallout from their performance. Bob Vylan’s bold statements have drawn attention not just to their music but to the broader implications of freedom of speech and artistic expression regarding global issues.

How do you feel about artists using their platform to address political issues?