'Not welcome visitors': US revokes visas of Bob Vylan over 'death chant' incident at Glastonbury; UK police launches investigation

The United States Department of State has revoked the visas of the British punk duo Bob Vylan following a controversial performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where the band allegedly led the crowd in chants that glorified violence and hatred against the Israeli military.

In a post on X, Christopher Landau, deputy US secretary of state said, “The US Department of State 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.”

The move has sparked a wave of reactions across different circles and social media, with critics arguing the revocation could raise free speech concerns, while others have defended the decision as a matter of national policy.

Bob Vylan, known for their politically charged lyrics and genre-defying fusion of punk and grime, drew widespread attention during their Glastonbury set for their aggressive rhetoric, which reportedly included chants perceived as inciting violence. Videos of the performance circulated on social media, prompting backlash from several quarters in the US.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among those who criticized the performance, during which lead singer Bobby Vylan urged the audience to chant “death, death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli defense forces, over the weekend.

The band had been scheduled to travel to the US later this year as part of a planned tour. Those plans now appear to be in jeopardy.

The announcement was made on Monday, on the same day Avon and Somerset police announced that they would launch a criminal investigation into Bob Vylan’s performance as well as a separate act by the Irish rap group Kneecap at the festival.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they were investigating both groups over public order incidents after reviewing "video and audio" of the performance.

Bob Vylan, composed of duo Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, has often courted controversy with its outspoken stance on issues including racism, police violence, and political injustice. Their work has received both critical acclaim and public scrutiny for its confrontational style.

"Following the completion of that assessment process, we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken," the police said.

"The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes."

It added that the service had recognised the "strength of public feeling", adding: "There is absolutely no place in society for hate."