Bobby Vylan has taken to Instagram with a defiant message following the removal of his contentious Glastonbury performance from BBC iPlayer.
In the day since their “death, death to the IDF” chant on stage, the punk duo have been denounced by the BBC, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Israel’s UK embassy. One half of the pair, Bobby Vylan, whose set came before Kneecap’s, simply stated: “I said what I said.”
In his post, he reflected: “As I lay in bed this morning, my phone buzzing non stop, inundated with messages of both support and hatred, I listen to my daughter typing out loud as she fills out a school survey asking for her feedback on the current state of school dinners.
“She expressed that she would like healthier meals, more options and dishes inspired by other parts of the world. Listening to her voice her opinions on a matter that she cares about and affects her daily, reminds me that we may not be doomed after all.”
He continued: “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.
“As we grow older and our fire possibly starts to dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”
Vylan went on to stress the significance of setting an example for the younger generation, saying: “display to them loudly and visibly the right thing. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.”
He concluded: “Today is a change in school dinners, tomorrow it is a change in foreign policy.”
After Bob Vylan’s performance, the BBC issued a statement regarding their decision not to rebroadcast the set, declaring: “Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive.”
The broadcaster explained: “During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to make the performance available on demand.”
The controversy arose after artist Bobby Vylan led attendees at the festival’s West Holts Stage in chants of “Death, death to the IDF”, reports the Mirror. Initially broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, the footage drew criticism, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Keir Starmer both condemning it as “appalling”.
Subsequently, Avon and Somerset Police took to social media, stating: “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.”
Glastonbury organisers said these comments “crossed a line,” saying in a statement on Sunday: “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.”
