Bob Vylan share statement amid Glasto controversy: "We are a distraction from the story"

During their set, Bob Vylan condemned the genocide in Palestine, and led festivalgoers in a chant of "Death to the IDF", following a "Free Palestine" chant. Glastonbury Festival shared their own statement in regards to this, stating that they were appalled at Bob Vylan's actions: "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".

Following this, the band were dropped by their booking agency, United Talent Agency, as well as having their US visas revoked, and receiving backlash online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bob Vylan (@bobbyvylan)

Addressing the controversy, and standing by their words, the group wrote: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use ‘unnecessary lethal force’ against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza. We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction."

Many artists have reacted in solidarity with Bob Vylan, including Amyl and the Sniffers, Nadine Shah, Grove, Big Joanie, Soft Play, and more.