Bobby Vylan Stance on Glastonbury Israel Defense Forces Chant: "Zero Regrets"
The frontman of Bob Vylan has stated he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" act at Glastonbury and asserted he would "do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."
Controversial Exclamation and Political Reactions
This outspoken punk pair sparked significant debate when they initiated crowd chants of "down with the IDF," referring to the IDF, during their June set. This chant was censured by Glastonbury and Britain's leader the prime minister, who labeled it as "shocking hate speech."
After the incident, the band was released by its representation UTA, and the American state department revoked the artists' visas, forcing the duo to cancel a planned North American tour.
Interview with Louis Theroux
During his initial interview after the festival show, Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. After questioned if he would do it all again, he responded:
"Absolutely. For instance suppose I was to perform at Glastonbury again tomorrow, yes I would repeat it. I'm without regret of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."
He noted that the backlash the band faced was "small compared to what individuals in Palestine are experiencing."
Regarding the Chant's Significance
"I aim not to exaggerate the significance of the slogan," he continued. "It isn't what I'm trying to do, but if I have their support, these are the people that I'm advocating for, they're the individuals that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've upset some rightwing politician or some conservative news outlet?"
Unexpected Reaction and Broadcaster Feedback
The musician claimed he was surprised by the outcry sparked by the exclamation, and asserted that members of the broadcaster staff at Glastonbury told him on the day that the set was "fantastic."
However, the broadcaster's ECU later determined that the BBC's broadcast of the show violated content standards in regard to offense and offence.
Vylan informed Theroux there was no sign of a controversy in the moment: "It didn't feel like we came off stage, and everybody was like [shocked]. It felt normal. We leave stage. It was normal. Nobody thought anything. Nobody. Even staff at the BBC were like 'That was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"
Response to Damon Albarn
Vylan also responded at the Blur singer, who labeled the protest "one of the most spectacular misfires I've witnessed in my life" and described him as "marching in tennis gear."
His reaction was "letdown" and "showed no self-awareness," Vylan said.
"I just want to say that categorising it as a 'huge mistake' suggests that somehow the views of the duo or our position on Palestinian liberation is not thought out," he explained.
"I take great issue with the term 'marching' being used because it's only used around Nazi Germany," he added. "Precisely. And for him to use that wording, I think is offensive. I think his answer was disgusting."
Intent Behind the Slogan
After questioned what he meant by the chant "Down with the IDF," the artist said the chant itself was "insignificant."
"What is important is the situation that persist to allow that chant to even take place on that stage. And I mean, the conditions that exist in the region. In which the Palestinian people are being slain at an disturbing rate. Who cares about the slogan?" he said.
"The phrase rhymes," he noted: "'End, End the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, would it? … We are there to entertain. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Ideal slogan."
Rejection of Antisemitism Claims
Vylan also denied claims from the CST, a watchdog and Jewish safety group, that their performance contributed to a rise in anti-Jewish events recorded two days.
"I believe I have created an hostile atmosphere for the Jewish people. Suppose there were many individuals of individuals acting and going like 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I could go, oh, I've had a negative effect here," he said.
Contrast with Different Bands
As Vylan mentioned he thought the band had been targeted more severely than different artists for voicing views about the conflict, Theroux brought up the Ireland-based band another band, who have likewise faced criticism for their method to pro-Palestine messaging.
"That's a notable point," Vylan responded, "because as with all things ethnicity becomes a part in that we are an easier target, seriously, than others are because we are inherently the enemy."