Glastonbury 2025: Bob Vylan express solidarity with Kneecap and slam the BBC
Political statements have been rife at Glastonbury Festival as the world watches the worsening conflict in the Middle East. This time, Bob Vylan expressed solidarity with Kneecap amid their terror charge, and encouraged the crowd to turn to violent protest should it be the only way forward.
The eponymous frontman began his long, passionate speech addressing the conflict at large. Between songs, he began, “We are seeing some fucked up things happening in the world; we are seeing the UK and the US be complicit in war crimes, in genocide happening over there to the Palestinian people. Look, I know we are on the BBC and we aren’t going to say anything crazy, we can leave that for them lads,” he said merrily, nodding to the fact that Kneecap will play 30 minutes after the end of their set at the West Holts stage.
Vylan added, “But unfortunately, we have seen a strange reaction to people that come out and voice support for Palestine, even though anybody wth any kind of moral compass can surely tell that what is happening over there in Gaza is a tragedy.”
He continued, “So look, we are not pacifist punks here over at Bob Vylan Enterprises,” referencing lyrics from the 2023 single, ‘Censored (Interlude)’. “We are the violent punks, because sometimes you gotta get your message across with violence because that is the only language some people speak, unfortunately.”
Looking towards this next song, Vylan said, “We want to dedicate it to every single band that is using their platform to speak up for the Palestinian people and speak against the crimes that Israel, the UK, the US, and much of the Western world are complicit in. So this is for all of you: The Murder Capital, Kneecap, Amyl, and The Sniffers.”
He ended on a hopeful statement, but one that focused on real governmental change: “We must pray, hope and wish to see a day where the Palestinian people are liberated and free from the tyranny of the Israeli government. Free Palestine!” he roared, leading the huge crowd into a “Free, Free Palestine,” which had also echoed across the Pyrmaid Stage after CMAT’s Friday afternoon set.
Earlier in the set, Vylan revealed another shocking detail after reflecting on the jobs he had to take to get the band to where they were today. One job was at a record label, working for a boss who was always loud about his pro-Israel views, Vylan said.
A recent secret letter had been sent to Glastonbury by industry moguls, begging the festival to remove the Irish trio from the festival amid Mo Chara’s terror charge. “And who do I see on that letter,” Vylan said, “That stupid bald headed cunt I used to fucking work for!”
Kneecap’s set follows on from Bob Vylan on the very same stage. This morning, the BBC said they have decided not to share a live stream, but the recording should be available following the show. Bob Vylan used their platform to shame the BBC, calling them out in statements broadcast behind the band throughout the performance.
Check out Far Out’s live blog for any updates on the ground.
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