Concerts

Glastonbury got so political that police are investigating

If there’s one thing about Glastonbury, the world’s most famous music festival, it’s that there is never a shortage of stories, surprises, and controversies. For example, a mystery group called Patchwork turned out to be Pulp.Then there’s Neil Young and his off-again/on-again decision to allow his set to be broadcast by the BBC.

Then there’s Kneecap and Bob Vylan. Kneecap is already controversial for anti-Israel (the government, not the people) stance. Past incidents have caused outrate with various politicians and governments. Would they repeat anything at Glastonbury?

Yes. Yes, they would.

Kneecap led the crowd in a chant. “Fuck [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer” and “Free, free Palestine.” The crowd was sold told to “start a riot outside the courts” The band’s Mo Chara is already facing a terror charge for past onstage statements. The group later moderated things: “No riots — just love and support, and support for Palestine.”

And that wasn’t all. Bob Vylan also led chants of “Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF.” Then a screen behind the band displayed a message: “Free Palestine. The United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’” The BBC was broadcasting their performance at the time.

Lisa Hardy, the UK Minister of Culture, condemned both Kneecap and Bob Vylan and assured the Kingdom that neither set would be rebroadcast via the BBC. The Israeli embassy stated it was “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival.”

Meanwhile Avon and Somerset Police stated on social media “Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed [by either act] that would require a criminal investigation.”

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 40335 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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