Glastonbury 2025: Sprints make defiant pro-Palestine statement amid BBC controversy
Rock band Sprints took to the Woodsies stage at Glastonbury Festival to make a defiant pro-Palestine statement, despite the recent police probe into the Kneecap and Bob Vylan sets on the Saturday.
Seventeen minutes into their riotous set, a clear message was cast behind the band as they kicked off the tune ‘Shadow of a Doubt’. As Karla Chubb began with the words, “There’s an urgent crying in my head, I am lost,” the message behind the band read: “Israel is committing a genocide. Use your voice.”
Immediately after, the “Free Palestine” message was displayed in clear block capitals. The crowd cheered loudly to both sentiments. As Chubbs broke into the desperate chorus, the message was back, emboldened. As the song finished, the Palestine flag was broadcast behind the band, and it remained as she explained mosh pit etiquette for the following heavier songs.
Later, the band projected on the screen “Trans rights are human rights,” exemplifying their intersectional politics. The band then switched things up with a cover of an English classic and revealed that Kate Nash would join them on the stage. A cover of her beloved ‘Foundations’ ensued. “Omg it’s fucking Kate Nash” the screen read. They slid into a cover of The Ting Ting’s ‘That’s Not My Name’.
The Irish band is not the only one to have used their Glastonbury set to express concern about the crisis in the Middle East. This display followed the festival’s swift condemnation of Bob Vylan after the punk duo controversially chanted “death to the IDF” during their set preceding Kneecap’s untelevised performance yesterday.
Earlier on Sunday, Nadine Shah made a bold speech about the importance of activism and the need for free political protest. The alternative musician from Whitburn read an open letter in support of Palestine Action, an organisation recently deemed a terrorist group by Keir Starmer.
Friday night at Glastonbury saw The 1975 headline the Pyramid Stage and Loyle Carner headline the Other Stage. On Saturday night, Charli XCX, Neil Young, Scissor Sisters and Doechii headlined each of the main stages. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo will close the weekend.
Far Out are on the ground at Worthy Farm, bringing you updates from the best festival of the year as they happen.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.