Bob Vylan hit back at criticism from “out of touch” Damon Albarn
Bob Vylan have hit back at Damon Albarn, who they have labelled “out of touch”, after the Blur frontman labelled their comments at Glastonbury a “spectacular misfire”.
During their performance on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival last month, lead singer Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) led the crowd through a chant of “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli Defence Force.
Following the set, Glastonbury distanced itself from the punk duo and said they were “appalled by the statements” chanted by the group at the festival.
Avon and Somerset Police are also currently investigating Bob Vylan’s set but have yet to formally charge the group. Additionally, they have had a series of shows cancelled, including a headline slot at Radar Festival in Manchester, and have also been dropped by their management.
During a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Albarn waded into the matter, stating, “It was one of the most spectacular misfires I’ve seen in my life.” He added, “Especially when he started to goose-step in tennis gear.”
Albarn also said: “People get angry. Say stupid things because they’re not communicating with each other properly. Therein lies the rub, as dear Shakespeare once said.”
Now, taking to X, Vylan responded to Albarn’s remarks. “A little help for any other out of touch 90s musician asked about Bob Vylan at Glastonbury,” their post began, in reference to the Blur frontman. Bobby Vylan continued: ‘Your response should probably resemble something to the affect of: ‘Over 58k Palestinians killed since Oct 7th 2023. Over 700 killed while attempting to get aid.”
The singer’s post continued: “‘Over 1400 medical workers killed since Oct 7th. Genocide is being live streamed for all to see and the UK is not simply allowing it to continue but facilitating it, along with the United States. Why are we talking about a punk band?’ End.”
Meanwhile, Bob Vylan recently confirmed a run of headline dates in the Netherlands after they lost their support slot with Gogol Bordello on the continent “due to logistical complications”. They will play three shows in September.
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