Bob Vylan Position on Festival Israel Defense Forces Chant: "Zero Remorse"

The frontman of Bob Vylan has expressed he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" performance at Glastonbury and asserted he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Exclamation and Political Reactions

This outspoken music duo ignited significant debate when they initiated audience chants of "down with the IDF," pointing to the IDF, during their June set. The slogan was condemned by festival organizers and UK Prime Minister the prime minister, who described it as "shocking hate speech."

Following the incident, the band was dropped by its agency United Talent Agency, and the American government cancelled the members' visas, compelling the duo to cancel a scheduled US and Canada concert series.

Conversation with the Podcaster

During his initial public discussion after the festival performance, the musician, whose birth name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. When questioned if he would repeat his actions, he responded:

"Absolutely. For instance suppose I was to go on the festival again tomorrow, definitely I would do it again. I'm without regret of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

He added that the backlash the duo faced was "small compared to what individuals in Palestine are experiencing."

On the Protest's Importance

"I aim not to overstate the significance of the slogan," he continued. "It isn't what I'm trying to do, but if I have their backing, these are the people that I'm doing it for, these are the people that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to feel sorry about? Well, because I've angered some rightwing official or some conservative news outlet?"

Unexpected Reaction and Broadcaster Comments

This artist said he was taken aback by the outcry triggered by the chant, and asserted that staff of BBC employees at the event told him on the same day that the set was "fantastic."

Yet, the corporation's ECU later determined that the BBC's broadcast of the performance violated editorial standards in regard to harm and hurt.

He informed Theroux there was no sign of a controversy in the moment: "It didn't feel like we left stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It's just normal. We come off stage. It's normal. Nobody suspected anything. Nobody. Even staff at the BBC were like 'That was fantastic! We loved that!'"

Reply to Blur Frontman

Vylan also hit back at Damon Albarn, who labeled the chant "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and characterized him as "marching in sport gear."

His comment was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," Vylan said.

"I just want to say that labeling it as a 'huge mistake' suggests that somehow the politics of the band or our stance on Palestinian liberation is unplanned," he stated.

"I take great issue with the term 'goose-stepping' being used because it's only used around the Nazis," he continued. "That's it. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his answer was disgusting."

Meaning Behind the Chant

When questioned what he intended by the chant "Down with the IDF," the artist said the slogan itself was "unimportant."

"What is important is the situation that persist to allow that chant to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in Palestine. Where the local people are being killed at an alarming rate. What matters about the slogan?" he stated.

"The phrase rhymes," he noted: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, right? … We are there to perform. We are there to sing songs. I am a songwriter. 'The chant' rhymes. Perfect chant."

Rejection of Antisemitism Allegations

The musician also rejected assertions from the CST, a monitoring and Jewish safety group, that their set led to a rise in antisemitic incidents recorded later.

"I believe I have created an unsafe atmosphere for the Jewish people. Suppose there were large numbers of people going out and going like 'We made me do this'. I might go, oh, I've had a bad effect here," he commented.

Comparison with Other Artists

When he said he thought the duo had been targeted more severely than others for voicing views about the conflict, the host brought up the Irish band Kneecap, who have likewise faced criticism for their method to pro-Palestine messaging.

"That's an interesting one," Vylan said, "because as with all things race becomes a part in that we are an easier target, no pun intended, than others are because we are already the enemy."

Virginia Hughes
Virginia Hughes

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and empowering others through mindful living.