Latest news with #TheScratch
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- 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
Express Tribune
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bob Vylan double down on Palestine support in Athens show despite cancelled gigs and visa revocations
Bob Vylan reaffirmed their public support for Palestine during their first-ever live performance in Greece at Release Athens 2025. On stage in Athens, frontman Bobby Vylan told the crowd, 'We're not generally hateful people. But we do hate war, and we do hate injustice… Free Palestine each and single every time.' The statement comes just days after their controversial Glastonbury set, where the duo led chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and "Death, death to the IDF". The backlash led to cancelled appearances in France and Germany, removal from Radar Festival in the UK, revoked US visas, and separation from their agents, United Talent Agency. Despite mounting pressure, Bob Vylan have maintained their stance, rejecting claims of antisemitism. 'We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,' they said, asserting their message is against militarised violence, not identity. The Radar Festival decision prompted acts like The Scratch and ĠENN to pull out in solidarity. 'Censorship and de-platforming of artists speaking out against genocide must be challenged,' The Scratch said in a public statement. Radar's organiser admitted the band was dropped under pressure, sparking concern among artists about freedom of speech.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Band PULLS OUT of Manchester festival 'in solidarity' with Bob Vylan
A band who were due to perform at this weekend's Radar Festival in Manchester have pulled out in 'solidarity' with Bob Vylan. The three-day festival kicks off at O2 Victoria Warehouse, in Trafford, later today (July 4). Bob Vylan were supposed to headline on Saturday, but the band were axed from the line-up on Wednesday. READ MORE: Raye issues 'empty' Glastonbury Festival statement after fans issued same demand READ MORE: Noel Gallagher's daughter parties with Doctor Who star Matt Smith as countdown to huge Oasis gig continues The decision followed fury over comments made by frontman Bobby Vylan during their set at Glastonbury last weekend, in which he chanted 'death to the IDF', referring to the Israel Defense Forces. Those comments sparked a furious row involving politicians and the BBC, which allowed a live stream of Bob Vylan's set to continue, while the band have since had their visas revoked for scheduled performances in the United States. Avon and Somerset Police also confirmed it was investigating whether any crime had been committed. Irish metal band The Scratch have now confirmed they will not perform at Radar Festival this weekend, in a move to 'support' Bob Vylan. In a statement shared on Instagram this morning, the band called out the 'censorship and deplatforming of artists' who have spoken out against Israel's actions in Gaza. And although the band sympathised with the situation festival organisers faced regarding Bob Vylan, they will no longer perform their scheduled gig on Sunday. "To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival," the band said. "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." Their statement added: "This situation will only worsen unless we, as artists, support one another and take action." Radar Festival is yet to announce a replacement for Bob Vylan as headliner tomorrow. Organisers issued a short statement on social media on Wednesday, which said: "Bob Vylan will not be appearing at Radar Festival this weekend." Speaking prior to the band's cancellation from the line-up, Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, said: 'Bob Vylan has engaged in open incitement against Jewish and Israeli people in the biggest music festival in the world. "The fact that this was broadcast live on the BBC is a national shame. It's right they have been criticised and given an apology. Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE "We have noted the act was due to perform in Manchester and call on our elected representatives and police to ensure that this performance does not go ahead. We need to ensure that those engaging in hate speech do not have a platform in this city." In a statement issued earlier this week, Bob Vylan said the band were 'not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people' but 'for the dismantling of a violent military machine'. They added: "We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first, we will not be the last, and if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too."
Dublin Live
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Dublin band The Scratch pull out of Radar Festival 'in solidarity with Bob Vylan'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dublin band The Scratch have announced they are pulling out of Manchester's Radar Festival in support of Bob Vylan. Rap duo Vylan have been hitting headlines since Glastonbury Festival when they chanted "death to the IDF" and "free Palestine" during their set. Radar Festival organisers have said they were forced to remove them from the lineup by AMG and Live Nation who own the venue where it is taking place. Now the Dublin trad metal group won't be appearing at the festival which begins today and continues until Sunday, June 6. They said the move is not a criticism of the festival, but a showing of solidarity with Bob Vylan. They said: "We will not be performing at Radar Festival this weekend. 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. We understand it is 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 to dictate who is given a platform and what can be said on it. The situation will only worsen until we, as artists, support one another and take action." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
