Glastonbury’s organisers have condemned an anti-Israel chant calling for ‘death to the IDF’ led by one of the festival’s acts as “unacceptable”.
The chant was led by a member rap punk duo Bob Vylan during their performance on the West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon.
Bobby Vylan (who fronts the band, with Bobbie Vylan on drums) shouted slogans including “free, free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea”.
He also complained about previously having to work for “f****ing Zionists” in the past and expressed support for Irish rap group Kneecap in the face of calls for the trio to be dropped from their own Glastonbury slot after one of their members was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag last year.
But Vylan sparked particular outrage by leading the crowd in a chorus of “death, death to the IDF”.
The performance, which is being reviewed by Avon and Somerset Police, were broadcast live on the BBC’s coverage of the festival, but will not be available on demand on iPlayer.
Vylan’s comments attracted criticism on social media and from the government, as well as from the Leader of the Opposition.
Now, though, they have also now been condemned by the festival’s organisers.
In a statement, Emily Eavis – daughter of festival co-founder Sir Michael Eavis – wrote: “Glastonbury Festival was created in 1970 as a place for people to come together and rejoice in music, the arts and the best of human endeavour.
"As a festival, we stand against all forms of war and terrorism. We will always believe in – and actively campaign for – hope, unity, peace and love.”
While emphasising that there would “inevitably be artists and speakers appearing on our stages whose views we do not share”, Eavis added: “We are appalled by statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday.
"Their chants very much crossed the line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
However, the singer appeared to have no remorse for his words, taking to social media to post a picture of himself enjoying a sweet treat, writing: “While Zionists are crying on socials, I’ve just had a late night (vegan) ice cream.”
Following Bob Vylan’s set, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
