Action follows controversial slogans during live performance
The United States has revoked visas for members of the UK punk-rap duo Bob Vylan following their on-stage chants at the Glastonbury music festival over the weekend, which the U.S. State Department and the BBC described as antisemitic.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Monday, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the decision:
“The @StateDept has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
During their Saturday set at Glastonbury, Bob Vylan led chants including “Death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defence Forces, and “From the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free.” The second phrase has been widely debated — interpreted by many in Israel as a call for the state’s elimination, while Palestinians and supporters say it expresses a call for freedom and rights across historic Palestine.
The BBC, which streamed the set live, said Monday it regretted not cutting the broadcast during the segment.
Artist Responds
The group’s lead vocalist, who performs as Bobby Vylan, responded indirectly to the backlash in a post on Instagram:
“I said what I said,” he wrote.
“Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”
Bob Vylan, known for fusing punk rock with grime, often tackles themes of racism, class inequality, and social justice. The band has previously expressed support for the Palestinian cause.
The State Department has not specified which members were affected by the visa revocation or what visa categories were involved.
Bob Vylan is currently scheduled to perform several shows in the United States in November, but those plans are now uncertain in light of the visa cancellations.
