BBC Glastonbury outrage as pro-Palestine singer leads chants of 'DEATH to IDF' during live broadcast: 'A hate fest!'

During his performance, frontman Vylan dedicated a song to "every single band that is using their platform to speak up for the Palestinian people", specifically naming The Murder Capital, Kneecap, and Amyl and The Sniffers.

Vylan directly addressed the BBC's decision not to livestream Kneecap's performance, with statements criticising the broadcaster displayed behind the band throughout their set. "I know we are on the BBC and we aren't going to say anything crazy, we can leave that for them lads," Vylan told the crowd, gesturing towards Kneecap's upcoming slot.

However, moments later, the punk frontman explicitly endorsed violent protest during his politically charged performance.

"We are not pacifist punks here over at Bob Vylan Enterprises," he declared, referencing lyrics from their 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."

Vylan's speech focused heavily on the Middle East conflict, accusing Western governments of complicity in war crimes. "We are seeing the UK and the US be complicit in war crimes, in genocide happening over there to the Palestinian people," he stated.

His set concluded with a rallying cry as he led the crowd in chanting "Free, Free Palestine", similar to demonstrations that had occurred at the Pyramid Stage following CMAT's Friday performance.

On the banner behind the band's lead singer read the message: "Bob Vylan. Free Palestine. United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a 'conflict'."

During the performance, Vylan also encouraged the crowd to take part in another anti-Israel chant moments after leading one of the many choruses of "Free, Free Palestine". This time, he took aim at the Israeli Defence Forces.

"But have you heard this one though... Death, death to the IDF. Death, death to the IDF. Death, death to the IDF," he yelled as thousands chanted a long. "Hell yeah, from the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be - Inshallah - it will be free!"

Clips of Vylan's set have quickly gone viral on social media. Outrage has since erupted not only at the singer, but at the BBC for allowing the group to perform live on its streaming service while simultaneously banning Kneecap.

"Some band called Bob Vylan... shows how Glastonbury is all about love and inclusivity: Starts with ‘Free free Palestine.’ Then gets the crowd singing: ‘Death death to the IDF.’ Finishing with the genocidal flourish: ‘From the River to the Sea Palestine will be free. Inshallah.’ This Saturday afternoon hate fest is being screened by the BBC which we all pay for," one X user fumed after seeing the footage.

A second similarly hit out: "No idea who this scumbag Bob Vylan is, but the BBC just livestreamed him from Gaza- sorry, Glastonbury ranting about Israel and 'Zionists' in the music industry... What a cesspit."

"Completely unacceptable. Underneath the inclusivity facade, Glastonbury has become a hate fest," a third raged before a fourth slammed: "What a f***ing bellend Bob Vylan is!!! Chanting 'Death, death to the IDF' live on the West Holts stage!!! #Glastonbury."

Others targeted their fury towards directly towards the BBC while throwing their support behind Vylan. "BBC not showing Kneecap but broadcasting Bob Vylan right before hand is legit funny and shows they have no idea what they're doing," one fan of the singer weighed in.

A second echoed: "Bob Vylan have just shown how stupid the BBC really are by censoring and declining to live stream Kneecap's performance. Bob Vylan were electric, powerful and just as impactful as Kneecap are about to be. Censoring music in the year 2025 is such a s**t choice. #Glastonbury2025." (sic)

The divided reaction to Vylan's performance comes amid controversy surrounding Kneecap band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara.

He faces charges under the Terrorism Act for allegedly supporting a proscribed organisation after reportedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert in November.

The rapper, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, remains on unconditional bail pending an August court hearing. Videos have allegedly emerged showing the band shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" and calling on people to "kill your local MP".

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated it would not be "appropriate" for the festival to provide the trio with a platform. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the BBC not to broadcast what she termed "Kneecap propaganda".

The Belfast group has defended themselves, claiming critics are attempting to silence them due to their support for the Palestinian cause throughout the Gaza conflict.

Vylan revealed that music industry figures had attempted to pressure Glastonbury into removing Kneecap from the lineup. He disclosed that a "secret letter" had been sent to festival organisers by industry moguls requesting the Irish trio's removal following Mo Chara's terror charge.

The punk frontman claimed to recognise one signatory as his former employer at a record label, whom he described as a "bald c***" and as someone who had been vocal about pro-Israel views.

Despite the controversy, festival organiser Emily Eavis maintained that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC confirmed they would not livestream Kneecap's performance but indicated a recording would be available afterwards.

Several Kneecap concerts have been cancelled due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the band's political statements and Mo Chara's charges.

GB News has contacted the BBC for comment on Vylan's performance.