Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester festival

Bob Vylan Dropped from Manchester Festival Amid IDF Chant Controversy

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The punk-rap duo Bob Vylan have been removed from the lineup of a major Manchester music event following their controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025. The group, known for their politically charged lyrics and uncompromising stage presence, were set to headline Radar Festival at Victoria Warehouse. However, organisers have confirmed the band will no longer perform.

This decision came after significant criticism over remarks made during their Glastonbury set. While performing on Saturday, the lead singer of Bob Vylan led the audience in chants of “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The statement has drawn outrage from multiple political parties, activists, and even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who labeled the chant as “appalling hate speech.”

Fallout Extends Beyond Manchester

Manchester wasn’t the only venue to cancel the duo’s appearance. Kave Fest in Gisors, France, also confirmed Bob Vylan will no longer take the stage there. Organisers have promised a statement explaining their decision, citing the seriousness of the controversy.

In addition, a concert venue in Cologne, Germany, has announced the removal of Bob Vylan as the opening act for Gogol Bordello in September. The cancellations point to growing international backlash following the Glastonbury incident.

Bob Vylan Responds to Backlash

In response to the uproar, Bob Vylan issued a statement on Instagram, expressing disappointment over the interpretation of their words. The band clarified:

“We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs, or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine.”

They argued that their chant was a form of political protest and that the focus on them has distracted from broader conversations about military violence and human rights.

“We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story,” they wrote. “Whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction from the real issue.”

BBC and Ofcom Under Fire

The BBC, which streamed Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance live on iPlayer, has also faced criticism. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis denounced the broadcast, calling it “the airing of vile Jew-hate at Glastonbury.” Responding to the controversy, the BBC stated that the sentiments expressed during the performance were “utterly unacceptable” and admitted it should have halted the stream during the live event.

Broadcast regulator Ofcom weighed in, expressing that it was “very concerned” about the live airing and emphasized that “the BBC clearly has questions to answer.”

Growing Tension Between Free Speech and Festival Platforms

The incident raises deeper questions about free speech, artistic expression, and the responsibilities of public platforms. While Bob Vylan insists their message was anti-militaristic rather than antisemitic, critics argue the language used incited hatred and overstepped ethical boundaries.

As music festivals continue to serve as cultural and political stages, organisers are increasingly forced to navigate a fine line between providing a platform for bold expression and ensuring content does not propagate hate or violence.

For now, the consequences are clear: Bob Vylan has been dropped from multiple performances, and the conversation surrounding their message continues to spark debate across the music and political spheres.

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up post focusing on BBC’s broadcasting responsibilities or the broader debate over politics in music festivals.

About Post Author

Catherine Robert

Catherine Roberts is a seasoned news editor and writer at TheNewsTimes.co.uk, bringing her extensive expertise to the forefront of journalism. With a passion for storytelling, she has been engaging audiences through her insightful blog for the past five years, covering a wide range of topics with clarity and depth.
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