Latest news with #BobbyVylan
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Police reveal outcome of Kneecap Glastonbury probe
Irish rap trio Kneecap will face no further action from Avon and Somerset Police following an investigation into their Glastonbury performance. Police concluded there was "insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence" after reviewing video and audio recordings. The investigation was launched in June after officers examined footage from both Kneecap's and punk duo Bob Vylan 's sets at the festival. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are still investigating comments made by rapper Bobby Vylan, who led chants of, "Death, death to the IDF". A Kneecap member had joked about fans starting a riot at a bandmate's upcoming court appearance related to a terrorism charge, later clarifying it was for "love and support, and support for Palestine".
Metro
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Police drop Glastonbury investigation into Kneecap's performance
Irish rap trio Kneecap have confirmed police have dropped the investigation into their Glastonbury Festival performance last month. Avon and Somerset Police launched an official probe into their Worthy Farm set, as well as that of Bob Vylan, whose performance saw singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, lead crowds in chants of 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. Meanwhile, Kneecap—comprising Liam O'Hanna, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh—led the thousands-strong West Holts Stage audience in 'Free Palestine' chants directly after in their set. It was previously announced that footage was being reviewed by an appointed senior detective to investigate whether comments made by either act amounted to a criminal offence. Now, Kneecap have shared an update, posting a copy of the email they received from police on Instagram. It read: 'I am Senior Investigating Officer for Avon and Somerset Police's investigation into Kneecap's performance at the Glastonbury Festival on 28th June 2025. Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' Shortly after, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed to Metro that no further legal action would be taken. Their statement read: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, 28 June. 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today (Friday, 18 July).' Police confirmed that 'enquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' Meanwhile, Kneecap added in their social media caption: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival. 'Shortly afterwards we learn of an active police investigation. An investigation that followed after the Prime Minister himself said it 'was not appropriate' we played Glastonbury. 'Walk off stage to the rapturous sounds of good people and into the creaking scheming sounds of the establishment. 'This 'investigation' was reported across the world's media often with wildly misleading headlines. 'Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close….yet the police saw fit to publicly announce they were opening an investigation.' They went on to claim the investigation was 'political' and 'targeted'. 'After the media damage is inflicted and seen by millions of eyes – you receive a private email to say there's no evidence and no action – that is seen by two people only,' they added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'There is no public apology, they don't send this to media or post it on police accounts.' Kneecap vowed to continue to 'fight' and to 'win'. As mentioned in their statement, PM Sir Keir previously claimed that he didn't believe it would be 'appropriate' for Kneecap to perform at Glasto, O'Hanna, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier last month, charged with a terror offence. The 27-year-old, accused of displaying a flag representing Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation, at a gig last November, denied the charges. He will return to court this month. In response to the Labour leader's calls for a ban at the time, Kneecap shared a screenshot from his interview, writing: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f***ing genocide… [sic]'. More Trending The BBC also announced ahead of time that Kneecap's set would not be broadcast live, with a spokesperson saying: 'As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. 'Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. 'We don't always livestream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.' As a result, Kneecap's performance was viewed by thousands via Helen Wilson in the crowd, who went live on TikTok and quickly went viral for her actions, many declaring her a 'legend,' and the band themselves reaching out to her. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bob Vylan singer slams Damon Albarn as 'out of touch' after Glastonbury criticism MORE: Lewis Capaldi reveals he was 'convulsing' backstage in lead up to Glastonbury performance MORE: Bob Vylan removed from European tour after controversial Glastonbury performance
Belfast Telegraph
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Police rule out further action over Kneecap's Glastonbury performance
Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the festival. On Friday, the Belfast group posted an screenshot of a redacted email from a senior investigating officer on social media, confirming that 'no further action' would be taken. In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June. 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.' During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance. Band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024. The group recently performed at Glasgow's O2 Academy, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds. They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police. Kneecap fans defend Glastonbury performance as BBC say it will not be live-streamed Earlier this week they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England. Their tour will start in Bournemouth on November 14 before moving on to Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow. Kneecap will also perform in London at the previously announced show at OVO Arena Wembley on September 18.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Dark days ahead for protest music
It all started when the BBC cancelled its broadcast of the Irish pro-Palestinian band Kneecap during the Glastonbury music festival after the lead singer was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly holding a banned Hezbollah flag - which he denies. But when British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan were streamed live instead, the band led chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" that were broadcast across the nation. A screen at the back of the stage displayed the message: "United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a 'conflict,'" reports DW. The backlash was rapid and unrelenting. The BBC apologised for airing chants it called "antisemitic"; the British police launched a criminal investigation into the incident, and Bob Vylan's agent, UTA, cut its ties with the act. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chimed in, calling the chants "appalling hate speech" as the US State Department revoked visas for the band - which was due to tour North American in November. Bob Vylan "glorify violence and hatred" and "are not welcome visitors to our country," said US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X. It didn't stop there. After festivals in Manchester and France scratched Bob Vylan from their line-ups, the band was also dumped from playing concerts in Germany with the band Gogol Bordello in September. The BBC also announced it was changing its procedures around live music events: Any music performances deemed "high risk" will no longer be broadcast or streamed live. A large crowd focus on the stage as a sea of flags fly at an outdoor concertA large crowd focus on the stage as a sea of flags fly at an outdoor concert 'Distraction' from Gaza genocide The duo defended its anti-IDF chants, denied the accusation of hate speech and called the backlash a "distraction" from "the slaughter of innocents" in Gaza - at least 58,000 Palestinians following the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, according to the UN. "The bombing of hospitals, we hate that," singer and guitarist Bobby Vylan said at a concert in Greece following their Glastonbury performance - 94 per cent of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, according to the World Health Organization. "If you're talking about innocent civilians and children getting sniped in the head, we hate that," he added. "We are generally not hateful people, but we do hate war, and we do hate injustice." The frontman is of Jamaican descent and has sung often about racism and politics since Bob Vylan formed in 2017. But their Glastonbury performance has sparked a global firestorm that threatens the band's career. Band shuts down chants in London When Bob Vylan played their first post-Glastonbury gig in the UK on July 9, Bobby Vylan tried to stop the London audience from initiating the anti-IDF chant. "No, you're gonna get me in trouble. Apparently, every other chant is fine, but you lot will get me in trouble," he said. He then broke into a chorus of "Free, free Palestine." By trouble, he could be referring to a police investigation and potential prosecution in the vein of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, one of the frontmen for pro-Palestine group Kneecap. He faces terrorism charges for allegedly flying the Hezbollah flag in 2024. "This is a carnival of distraction," said the Irish singer when charged in May. "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us." The number refers to an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report that states that nearly 71,000 children under the age of 5 in Gaza are expected to experience acute malnourishment from April 2025 to March 2026, and that among these, "14,100 cases are expected to be severe." Support amid censorship Chuck D, rapper with legendary US hip-hop act Public Enemy, came out in support of Bob Vylan. "When people say 'death to a country,' they're not saying 'death to a people,'" he said in an interview with the British Independent newspaper. "They're saying 'death to imperialism,' 'death to colonialism.' Bob Vylan ain't got no tanks. They're using words to say something must end." After Bob Vylan were dumped from the Manchester Radar festival, which was held July 4-6, several bands refused to play there in solidarity with the punk-rap duo. Irish band The Scratch were one of three acts to withdraw from the festival. "The censorship and de-platforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged," they wrote in a social media post. The band acknowledged that the Radar Festival was put in "an incredibly difficult and complex situation," with the whole event threatened with closure if Bob Vylan played. Organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith said in an interview that the owner of the venue issued an ultimatum to the festival, as reported in Billboard magazine. "It was categorically one of the most horrendous professional discussions I've ever had," she said. "I cannot express clearly enough that I wanted Bob Vylan to perform at our festival. But this was not our decision." Meanwhile, a debate in the UK parliament about the controversy saw Conservative Party politician Stuart Andrew invoke the importance of free speech and political activism for a "healthy democracy" before adding that the Bob Vylan chant "crosses the line to incitement to violence." UK culture publication Face Magazine disagreed: "Does anyone actually believe this is incitement for your average Glastonbury-goer to fly to Israel and attack an IDF soldier?" "The fact that the Bob Vylan situation is being given equal time to international conflict feels like a bizarre and deliberate distraction."
North Wales Chronicle
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
BBC staff who had authority to cut Bob Vylan livestream ‘were at Glastonbury'
It comes after the frontman of the punk rap duo, Bob Vylan, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israeli Military Force)' during their set at the Somerset music festival. Police have since launched an investigation into the group with the BBC issuing an apology for the livestream and promising to no longer broadcast live acts they deem 'high risk'. In a letter responding to questions sent by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, chairwoman of the Culture Media and Sport Committee, the director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie said: 'Cutting the livestream was an option open to those on the ground on the day. 'There were 550 personnel working for the BBC at Glastonbury. Of these 328 were working for BBC Studios (camera crew, rigging, technical and production roles), 35 providing coverage for BBC News, and 187 other BBC public service, working across a wide range of roles, including technical crew, producers, presenters, engineers, runners, commissioners and compliance staff.' He added: 'There were failures in our coverage which led to offensive content being broadcast live. I deeply regret that such deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. 'In considering what to learn from this, my immediate priority was to take swift actions, as detailed above, to mitigate against anything similar happening in the future. 'At the same time we are taking actions to ensure there is proper accountability for those found to be responsible for the failings in the live broadcast; and we are urgently reviewing our guidelines to see if any further measures are needed.' Since their Glastonbury set, Bob Vylan, made up of frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, and drummer Bobbie Vylan, have reportedly been dropped by their agency, United Talent Agency (UTA), which appears to have removed the group from their website, and have also been pulled from a number of concerts – including their US tour after having their visas revoked. The group announced on Monday, in a post on Instagram, that they were unable to join rock band, Gogol Bordello, on their European Tour. The statement said: 'Due to logistical complications, we have decided not to join our friends Gogol Bordello on their upcoming European Tour. However, we will be heading to Europe in the coming months for both festivals and headline shows.' It comes after the group performed a sold-out gig in London last week where Bobby Vylan said: 'We are a loving band, we love you lot for being here with us. We love the Palestinian people. 'Their strength, their resilience, their ability to keep on going in the face of it all is a beautiful and inspiring thing. 'So as hard as this week may have been for us, it has been nothing in comparison to what the Palestinian people are going through right now.'
