Backstage at Glasto: The Chaos Behind the Culture
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The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Pro-Palestine acts face BBC censure after Glastonbury row
The BBC is to stop broadcasting or streaming live performances by acts they consider to be 'high risk' after the fallout from its Glastonbury coverage during which rap act Bob Vylan led anti-Israel chants on stage. It could result in artists known to make political statements, such as pro-Palestine messages, being shown only after their performances have been vetted. At least eight artists voiced their support for Palestine from the Glastonbury stages. In a statement issued on Thursday, the corporation apologised for Bob Vylan's 'deplorable behaviour' after frontman, Bobby Vylan, 34, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF' during their set on Saturday afternoon, referring to the Israeli military. The BBC admitted it had assessed the act as 'high risk' before Glastonbury but deemed Bob Vylan suitable for live streaming. The broadcaster said, in retrospect, this was 'clearly not the case', and that it was changing its procedures around live music events meaning any performances deemed high risk will be neither broadcast nor streamed live. The BBC decided not to show the performance by Irish trio Kneecap, who had made headlines before the festival after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. In reference to his bandmate's imminent court date, Naoise O Caireallain told Glastonbury they would 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.' In their own set on the stage directly after Bob Vylan, Kneecap similarly led chants of 'Free Palestine' while O hAnnaidh wore a keffiyeh during the Kneecap performance. Both acts face criminal police investigations for their shows. The BBC statement said: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners, and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for anti-Semitism at, or on, the BBC. 'It is clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan's appearance. We think it's important to set out some of the detail around the streaming of this performance. 'Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for live streaming with appropriate mitigations. 'Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.' The BBC has also promised to take action to 'ensure proper accountability' and issued an apology to viewers, especially the Jewish community. BBC director general Tim Davie has also issued a personal apology, asking people to treat each other with 'respect and kindness'. Since the performance, Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the comments made during the group's West Holts Stage set. It has emerged the group were already under investigation by police for comments made at a concert a month before Glastonbury. Video footage appears to show Bobby Vylan at Alexandra Palace in London telling crowds: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.' The rap group issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up' after Avon and Somerset Police began its investigation. The group have also had their US visas revoked, ahead of a scheduled tour, were pulled from their Saturday headline slot at Radar festival in Manchester and from a show at a German music venue. On Thursday, the UK Culture Secretary said ministers expect 'accountability at the highest levels' for the BBC's decision to screen Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. Lisa Nandy told the Commons she has heard from the BBC but was 'not satisfied with the response'. Conservative shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew told the Commons: 'Given the BBC are seemingly able to pull live broadcasts when things go wrong at football matches, for example, it's extraordinary that this didn't happen on this occasion.' The Culture Secretary previously made a ministerial statement in the Commons on Monday, when she said 'it should have been foreseeable that there would be problems with broadcasts'.
The National
16 hours ago
- The National
Is life more fun with our phones locked away? And a look at Glastonbury surprises
On Culture Bites this week, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about the perks of going phone-free during comedy shows. Enas tells Farah about her experience of watching Dave Chappelle's stand-up act in Abu Dhabi where the provocative comedian took to the stage for a second year in a row. Attendees had to secure their smart devices in locked pouches to ensure no one filmed the performance. The hosts reflect on how a phone-free environment can enrich the audience experience and protect the arts from being overshared and diluted. Meanwhile, the Glastonbury Festival continues to make headlines all over the world even after it wrapped. Beyond the A-star line-up of headline acts, plenty of surprise sets kept fans on their toes: from an unexpected return by Lewis Capaldi to a performance by New Zealand singer Lorde. Enas and Farah talk about the power of commodifying surprises in a world where predictability reigns. here.
Dubai Eye
17 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Is AI destroying the music industry
Dane and Sana look into the band that's rising up the charts, but may not even be real. Plus things get heated on The Great Debate when we discuss pay. Is it ever OK to ask someone their salary?
