Bob Vylan’s US visas revoked following controversial Glastonbury performance
The punk band Bob Vylan have had their US Visas revoked in light of their controversial performances at Glastonbury 2025.
Going on stage before Kneecap, Bob Vylan’s set was marred in controversy when they began various pro-Palestine chants, which have been critiqued by both politicians, streaming services, and the staff of the Glastonbury Festival.
With a statement posted on X, US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau said that he has revoked the band’s visas ahead of their tour later this year, saying, “The (state department) 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.”
Among the various chants that Bobby Vylan engaged in was one that proclaimed “death to the IDF”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also weighed in, sharing his disgust for the issue, with Landau continuing, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
This also comes after Vylan was dropped from the talent agency UTA as well. Though UTA has not released any official statement on the group’s performance, they have since removed any images and related content of them from their website.
Alongside political figures, the BBC also expressed their regret over not taking the broadcast off the air when they had the chance, saying, “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. We welcome Glastonbury’s condemnation of the performance.”
While the Glastonbury Festival had included various artists with political messages during the festival, Emily Eaves denounced all of Vylan’s words during his performance, saying, “Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
In light of the backlash, Vylan took to social media to share his feelings on his performance. Regardless of the political opinions expressed, he stood by his words and claimed that the entire practice was based around setting an example for the next generation, saying, “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.”
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