Silenced for Solidarity? Bob Vylan Faces US Ban After Pro-Palestine Rallying Cry

The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of Bob Vylan, a British rap-punk duo, after the group led crowds in chanting “death” to the Israeli military at the Glastonbury Festival over the weekend.

“The State Department has revoked the U.S. visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a post on X. “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

Vylan had been scheduled to begin a U.S. tour in late October, according to a post on Instagram. 

The State Department has maintained a strict visa restriction and revocation policy in response to alleged support for terrorism and anti-Semitism.

Chant Against Israeli Military Sparks Outcry

The ban followed a performance Saturday on Glastonbury’s third-biggest West Holts Stage, where rapper Bobby Vylan shouted “Free, free Palestine” before leading the audience in chants of “Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).” Video captured him addressing the crowd with the line: “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF.”

The performance took place in front of a screen displaying the message: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict,’” referencing the UK’s public broadcaster, which streamed the festival live.

Vylan acknowledged receiving “messages of both support and hatred” in the wake of the performance.

“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,” the post read. “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 inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”

Backlash in Britain, BBC Responds

Vylan’s performance prompted condemnation from senior British officials. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the chants “appalling hate speech” and said there was no excuse for such behavior. British police are reviewing video footage of the band’s set.

The Israeli Embassy in the UK said it was “deeply disturbed” by what it called “inflammatory and hateful” rhetoric at the festival.

On Monday, the BBC acknowledged that “with hindsight” the performance should have been pulled from the broadcast, stating the corporation “respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.” 

The statement added: “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.”