Latest news with #RadarFestival
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rap duo Bob Vylan climb the charts after Glastonbury controversy
Punk group Bob Vylan has surged to the top of the UK charts despite pushback from governments, as fans and other musicians express support for their anti-genocide message As the saying goes: all press is good press. Despite (or perhaps because of) Bob Vylan's highly controversial Glastonbury performance, the rap duo surged to the top spot on the UK's Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart with their 2024 record Humble As The Sun. This comes after the punk group had their US visas revoked after frontman Bobby Vylan led the Glastonbury crowd through a 'Death to the IDF' chant. Both Radar Festival in the UK and France's Kave Fest also pulled the act from their line-up following the uproar. The BBC has since stated that they regret broadcasting "deeply regret" broadcasting "such offensive and deplorable behaviour". However, the sentiment hasn't been shared by everyone. Multiple prominent artists, including Massive Attack and Amyl & The Sniffers, have spoken out in support of the rap group. Upon news of their chart success, Bob Vylan took to X: 'Ban Bob Vylan? The people said 'Nah'. We need artists that speak up. Our album 'Humble As The Sun' is back in the charts and, as an independent band releasing music on our own label, it shows the power of the people. You can't get dropped if you own the label. Thank you all!' Their comment section was filled with support from fans. One said: 'The people resonate with what's real, you will gain more from representing the majority interest than you ever will being a sell out…' 'Thank you! Can't believe we need to explain this to people, but the vast majority of people living on this planet are indeed anti-genocide,' a second added. 'I'm buying some of your music just off general principle!' another wrote. Another commenter also suggested that the pushback against the group had the opposite of its intended effect. They said: "You didn't get silenced. You got more famous. Up until 2 weeks ago I had no clue who you were now I have your album." Kneecap, who have received similar criticism over their vocal support for Palestine, have also seen chart success, with their debut album Fine Art reaching number five. The BBC refused to livestream the Belfast rap trio during their Glastonbury set and instead played an edited version of the clip on their iPlayer. This came after Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (stage name Mo Chara) was charged with terrorism over allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig last year. However, as with Bob Vylan, many other artists were vocal in their support for the group and their message. Posted to Instagram stories, the Australian group Amyl & The Sniffers wrote: 'The British media in a frenzy about Bob Vylan and Kneecap but artists all weekend at Glastonbury from pop to rock to rap to punk to DJs spoke up onstage and there were toned of flags on every streamed set.' They added: 'Trying to make it look like just a couple of isolated incidents and a couple of 'bad bands' so it appears the public isn't as anti-genocide as it is, and trying to make it look like Bob and Kneecap are one-offs, instead of that the status quo has shifted majorly and that people are concerned and desperate for our governments to listen.' Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Extra.ie
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Irish band pull out of major festival after Bob Vylan cancellation
Taking to social media this morning, Dublin band The Scratch have announced that they will no longer be performing at Manchester's Radar Festival this weekend in solidarity with Bob Vylan, who were pulled from the line-up due to comments made during their recent Glastonbury performance. The UK duo have been dropped from multiple festivals, and have had their visas revoked by the US, following their set during which frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in 'death to the IDF' and 'free Palestine' chants. While the BBC have claimed that they 'deeply regret' broadcasting 'such offensive and deplorable behaviour', multiple bands have spoken out in support of Bob Vylan, while also urging the media to redirect their attention to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Scratch, who were due to play Radar Festival this Sunday, have stated today that the 'censorship and deplatforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged.' 'To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival,' their statement continues. 'We understand it was an incredibly difficult and complex situation. This is about showing solidarity with Bob Vylan and any artist who may face similar treatment in the future. 'Shadowy government influence and wealthy lobbying groups should not be allowed dictate who is given a platform and what can be said on it. 'This situation will only worsen unless we, as artists, support one another and take action. Get Netanyahu to the ICJ. Up Bob Vylan. Free Palestine.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Scratch (@thescratchmusic) The Ravers For Palestine, DJs Against Palestine, and Punks Against Apartheid groups have also called for 'a full boycott' of the Radar Festival. 'We call on all artists booked at Radar to withdraw until Bob Vylan is reinstated and an apology issued,' their own statement reads.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bands Continue Exiting Radar Festival Following Bob Vylan's Removal
Manchester's Radar Festival is seeing a growing wave of artist withdrawals in the wake of Bob Vylan's controversial Glastonbury performance and subsequent removal from the Manchester event's lineup. The latest act to announce their exit is Dublin metalcore band Hero In Error, who announced on Instagram that they would no longer perform at the independent event, set to run through July 6 at Manchester's O2 Victoria Warehouse. 'We will not be performing at Radar Festival this weekend,' they began in a statement. More from Billboard 5 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Erin Enderlin, Randy Houser, Charley Crockett & More Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong Celebrates 4th of July With 'F-k Donald Trump' Chant in Belgium Spice Girls' Mel B Marries Longtime Boyfriend Rory McPhee in London 'After speaking with Radar's organisers, it's clear they're facing the same pressures that many de-platformed artists are currently experiencing. They are good people, and it's evident they stand for progressive ideals.' They continued, 'Both they and the artists being targeted are caught in a wider effort to deflect attention from the reality of what's happening. We respect the work Radar has done, but we believe that stepping back from this year's event is the right decision at this time.' Their departure follows similar moves from The Scratch and ĠENN, who also withdrew over the weekend in protest of Bob Vylan's removal. Meanwhile, The Scratch shared their own message with fans, explaining their decision to withdraw as an act of solidarity. 'The censorship and de-platforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged,' they wrote. 'To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival. We understand it was an incredibly difficult and complex situation. This is about showing solidarity with Bob Vylan and any artist who may face similar treatment in the future.' They continued, 'Shadowy government influence and wealthy lobbying groups should not be allowed to dictate who is given a platform and what can be said on it. This situation will only worsen unless we, as artists, support one another and take action.' ĠENN echoed a similar sentiment, citing concerns about 'bullying, censorship, and strong-arming' directed at Bob Vylan and Radar Festival. 'As a minority on pretty much every line-up, and with a relatively modest platform, we considered whether we could use our physical presence to speak against the bullying, censorship, and strong-arming demonstrated towards the likes of both Bob Vylan and Radar,' the band said. 'For our safety and sanity, we've made the final decision to pull out from performing at Radar this weekend.' 'Our fight should not be focused on the policing of those who are trying to spread awareness within their means. This is a distraction from a wider picture. Pressure needs to be placed on those who are instigating the censorship of a genocide happening in real time.' Bob Vylan were pulled from Radar earlier this week after leading chants of 'death to the IDF' during their Glastonbury set on June 28. The duo also criticised the BBC, the U.S. and U.K. governments, and more, sparking widespread backlash. Glastonbury organisers said the chants 'crossed a line,' calling it 'anti-Semitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.' In the days since, Bob Vylan have been dropped by their agency, lost multiple international festival slots, and had their U.S. visas revoked. The duo maintain that their remarks were not calling for harm to any group but rather 'the dismantling of a violent military machine.' Radar Festival organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith has been vocal about the pressure placed on the event, saying it was 'categorically one of the most horrendous professional discussions I've ever had' to remove Bob Vylan. 'I cannot express clearly enough that I wanted Bob Vylan to perform at our festival,' she told the Two Promoters One Pod podcast but revealed the decision was made to avoid jeopardising the festival's entire Saturday program. Meanwhile, Massive Attack and other artists including Amyl and The Sniffers and Soft Play have publicly supported Bob Vylan, urging the media to focus on 'what is happening daily to the people of Gaza' rather than silencing artists who speak out. Radar Festival has yet to confirm a replacement for Bob Vylan's headline slot. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Festival organisers who cancelled Bob Vylan wanted to book Kneecap instead
The organisers of a festival in Greater Manchester where Bob Vylan was due to perform wanted to book Kneecap instead. The British punk rap duo who caused controversy at Glastonbury after chanting 'death to the IDF', referring to the Israel Defence Forces, were set to headline Radar Festival at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on Saturday (July 5). However, earlier this week, the festival organisers announced on social media that the band would no longer be appearing at the three-day festival near Old Trafford. It comes amid anger over the BBC's decision to allow a livestream of Bob Vylan's set to continue. The band have also had their visas revoked for scheduled performances in the United States while police are investigating whether any crime was committed on stage. READ MORE: 'We should've stayed in Cheshire - putting us into Greater Manchester was the biggest mistake ever' READ MORE: One of two boys found dead on railway tracks named Speaking on a podcast recorded just hours after the announcement, one of the organisers of Radar Festival said that the decision to cancel the headliner was taken out of their hands and that, at one point, they considered booking Belfast band Kneecap instead. Sign up to the MEN Politics newsletter Due North here The Irish-language rap trio have also caused controversy in recent months with one their members, Liam Ó hAnnaidh who performs under the name Mo Chara, having been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying the flag of proscribed group Hezbollah. Appearing on an episode 2 Promoters, 1 Pod, Radar Festival co-founder Catherine Jackson-Smith revealed how the week unfolded. She told the podcast that she 'locked down' all social media last weekend following Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury festival. However, her team still got abuse over email, as well as a threatening phone call she personally received from an unknown number. The festival organiser said that she did not want to pull the headliner, but by the start of the week, it became clear she had no choice. She said: "We spoke to Bob Vylan themselves and their team left at that point and went through everything and that was categorically one of the most horrendous professional conversations that I've ever had." Ms Jackson-Smith added that, despite the venue being 'supportive' to the independent festival, she claims it was 'put very blunty' to her team that if Bob Vylan's performance went ahead as scheduled, the venue would not be allowed to open its doors on the Saturday (July 5). She said she genuinely didn't know 'who above' made the decision. She said: "What would you do? We've got 41 other bands that are travelling here. They've all paid for flights and Underoath are travelling from America for this gig. I didn't want to phone up Underoath and say, 'hey guys, never mind.' "Financially, that puts us in an incredibly precarious situation because, as I stress, because it's [fellow co-founder] Joe [James] and myself. That's a lot of liability at our feet. People have travelled thousands of miles. How can we turn around and say, 'right, well…'?" On Friday (July 4), it was revealed that Irish metal band The Scratch had pulled out of the festival 'in solidarity' with Bob Vylan. They were not the only band to pull out of the three-day event, but the progressive rock and metal festival still went ahead. Ms Jackson-Smith said that that the team had already started drawing up a list of alternative headliners they would try to book. As part of this process, they consulted a list of bands that openly came out against what was described as 'censorship' of Kneecap. However, she revealed that Mr James, who she founded the festival with, wanted to book Kneecap as the headliner instead. She said: "Joe's first response was, 'what if we did Kneecap as a secret set?' It makes a statement without having to make a statement and that is what we wanted to do." On Tuesday (July 2) a Trafford council spokesperson said: 'Over the last few days, Council officers have been involved in extensive discussions behind the scenes with police and the venue about concerns surrounding the forthcoming performance of Bob Vylan at Victoria Warehouse. We have now been advised that the promoter has cancelled the act and we believe this is the right decision.'
Irish Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Irish bands pull out of Manchester's Radar Festival in solidarity with Bob Vylan
TWO Irish bands have pulled out of Radar Festival in Manchester in solidarity with Bob Vylan after the controversy over the latter's Glastonbury set. The Scratch and Hero in Error were both due to perform today at the festival at Victoria Warehouse in Trafford Park. However, while the bands have now backed out, both expressed their sympathy for the organisers of the festival and the situation they were placed in. Radar co-organiser Catherine Jackson-Smith revealed this week that she had received a death threat in the wake of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set. The punk duo were criticised after singer Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death to the IDF' at the Worthy Farm festival last Saturday in solidarity with the tens of thousands of people killed in Gaza. The band were subsequently dropped from Radar Festival, as well as Kave Festival in France and from a venue in Germany where they were due to open for American band Gogol Bordello. They also had their US visas cancelled, with State Department Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau saying 'foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country'. 'Shadowy government influence' Following the decision to drop Bob Vylan from Radar's Saturday line-up, Dublin band The Scratch revealed they had pulled out of their Sunday slot at the event. "The censorship and deplatforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged," the Choice Music Prize nominees said in a statement. "To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival. "We understand it was an incredibly difficult and complex situation. "This is about showing solidarity with Bob Vylan and any artists who may face similar treatment in the future. "Shadowy government influence and wealthy lobbying groups should not be allowed to dictate who is given a platform and what can he said on it. "This situation will only worsen unless we, as artists, support one another and take action. "Get Netanyahu to the ICJ. "Up Bob Vylan. Free Palestine." Bobby Vylan of Bob Vylan pictured yesterday at Finsbury Park in London, where Irish band Fontaines D.C. were being supported by Kneecap (Image: Tabatha Fireman / Dave Benett / Getty Images) Echoing those words, fellow Dublin band Hero In Error posted: "After speaking with Radar's organisers, it's clear they're facing the same pressures that many de-platformed artists are currently experiencing. "They are good people and it's evident they stand for progressive ideals. "Both they and the artists being targeted are caught in a wider effort to deflect attention from the reality of what's happening. "We respect the work Radar has done, but we believe that stepping back from this year's event in the right decision at this time." Brighton-based band GENN also pulled out of the festival for their 'safety and sanity'. "Pressure needs to be placed on those who are instigating the censorship of a genocide happening in real time," they added. 'We didn't want to pull them' Speaking to the 2 Promoters, 1 Pod podcast, Ms Jackson-Smith said she was told that if the organisers kept Bob Vylan on the bill, the three-day festival would not be permitted to go ahead on Saturday. She said she had to take into consideration that 41 other acts were due to play at the festival and both artists and fans had already spent significant money and travelled long distances to attend. "We didn't want to pull them, it was out of our hands," she said, adding: "I cannot express clearly enough that I wanted Bob Vylan to perform at our festival." Ms Jackson-Smith added that she and her co-organisers considered trying to draft in Kneecap to replace Bob Vylan, or another act that had previously expressed solidarity for the Belfast band. Speaking to the podcast, she said Radar Festival became the focus of attention after it emerged it was the next event Bob Vylan were due to play following Glastonbury. She said she had received a barrage of emails following last Saturday's events, as well as a threatening phone call, saying 'a bunch of absolutely vile things'. She added: "It finished with, 'We know who you are, we know what you look like, we know where you're going to be — do you feel safe? Watch your back.'"
