Glastonbury Festival denounces ‘Death to the IDF’ chants heard during music performance at the event.
At Glastonbury music festival in England, Palestinian flags were prominently displayed as performers voiced their support for Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. The English punk duo Bob Vylan drew significant attention when the audience chanted in response to their provocation, calling for violence against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Following the chant of “Free, free Palestine,” singer Bobby Vylan transitioned to “Death, death to the IDF,” which sparked outrage.
Emily Eavis, a co-organizer of Glastonbury, expressed dismay over Vylan’s comments, emphasizing that the festival has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech. She affirmed the organizers’ stance against all forms of violence and their commitment to promoting peace and unity. Eavis noted that the diverse lineup at Glastonbury includes many voices, some of which may not align with the festival’s values.
As global criticism of Israel intensifies, with protests emerging in the UK and the US against the military campaign in Gaza, the death toll in the region continues to rise. The conflict initiated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. In response to this attack, Israel focused its efforts on dismantling Hamas.
Vylan later shared his perspective on Instagram, acknowledging the mixed reactions to his comments and stressing the importance of advocating for change. He called for active engagement and visible demonstrations of support for justice. The situation at Glastonbury was further complicated by other acts, such as the Northern Irish trio Kneecap, which also made headlines for their pro-Palestinian statements.
Their controversial performances included calls for chants supporting Gaza. Echoing Vylan’s sentiments, the group drew comparisons between historical oppression in Ireland and current events in Palestine, igniting debates about the appropriation of such narratives in contemporary music.