U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau revoked visas for a British punk group ahead of their national tour because the group led "death to the IDF" chants at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend.
"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," Landau wrote in an X post shared Monday. "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country," he added.
The @StateDept 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. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.
— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) June 30, 2025
During their Glastonbury Festival set on Saturday, Bob Vylan performed in front of a screen displaying the message: "The United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a 'conflict,'" referencing the UK's public broadcaster, which livestreamed the festival. The group shouted "Free, free Palestine" and led the crowd in chanting "Death, death to the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, CNN reported.
The punk duo, which consists of Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, both of whom have kept their identities private due to living under a surveillance state, are now barred from entering the U.S. ahead of their national tour, which was set to kick off in Spokane, Washington, on October 24.
On Monday, the BBC issued a statement expressing regret for not cutting the live stream during Bob Vylan's Saturday performance. The broadcaster chose not to livestream Kneecap's set, an Irish group also known for their vocal pro-Palestine stance and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. According to the BBC, Avon and Somerset Police are now investigating both performances, though the specific parts under criminal investigation have not been disclosed.
US Zionists: “Free Palestine makes me uncomfortable”
— Remi Kanazi (@Remroum) June 28, 2025
Brits: “Death death to the IDF!” pic.twitter.com/KygaJI3trB
Bobby Vylan responded to the U.S. visa revocation and the UK government's reaction in a video shared on social media Monday, according to the BBC. He said politicians should be "utterly ashamed" of where their "allegiances lie," and implored Israeli citizens to understand the group was speaking out against the country's army, not its people.
"First it was Kneecap, now it's us two," he stated. "Regardless of how it was said, calling for an end to the slaughter of innocents is never wrong. To civilians of Israel, understand this anger is not directed at you, and don't let your government persuade you that a call against an army is a call against the people." He added that he would address "Keir [Starmer], Kemi [Badenoch], and the rest of you... at a later date."
Originally published on Latin Times
