A man in his 30s has been interviewed by Avon and Somerset Police regarding comments made during Bob Vylan’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2023. This inquiry follows the duo’s outspoken political statements during their set, where they expressed solidarity with Palestine and criticized the Israeli military, along with the UK and US governments.
The police confirmed that the individual voluntarily attended an interview with officers on November 10, 2023. The performance on Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage included a moment when frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in a chant, stating, “Death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces. This has prompted a criminal investigation, which has led to the cancellation of several international shows and the revocation of the duo’s US visas ahead of their planned tour.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, this incident has been classified as a public order matter while they explore all relevant legal considerations. The force noted that they had received legal guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service in the previous month and characterized voluntary interviews as standard practice in situations where an arrest is not deemed necessary. Those interviewed under caution retain the same legal rights as individuals who are arrested.
Protests and Tour Impact
Bob Vylan is scheduled to perform at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London tonight, November 11, 2023, as part of their UK tour titled “We Won’t Go Quietly.” The Metropolitan Police have announced that they will enforce Public Order Act conditions during the concert to mitigate potential disruptions. They are aware of two protests planned for the same evening near the venue.
In a separate legal matter, Bob Vylan recently secured a significant victory, receiving “substantial damages” following defamatory claims about a supposed “Nazi salute” at one of their concerts last month. The law firm Rahman Lowe Solicitors confirmed that their client, Bobby Vylan, received a full apology from Reach plc, the publisher of the Manchester Evening News, as part of the settlement.
Bobby Vylan has been vocal about the controversies surrounding their performance. In a recent interview on The Louis Theroux Podcast, he expressed no regret about leading the chant at Glastonbury, stating, “I’d do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays.” Following the podcast episode, British Airways withdrew its sponsorship, citing a breach of its policy, to which Bobby responded on social media, asserting that this action was intended to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
As the situation evolves, the implications for Bob Vylan’s career and their ongoing tour remain under scrutiny, highlighting the intersection of art, politics, and public opinion in today’s cultural landscape.
