US revokes visas of British rap punk duo Bob Vylan after chant against Israel’s military

The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of all members of the British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan after a controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival. During their set, the group led chants that called for violence against Israel’s military.

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement posted on X. “The State Department has revoked the U.S. visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.”

The band was scheduled to begin a U.S. tour in late October, according to a now-unavailable Instagram post.

The decision follows the State Department’s broader efforts to tighten visa policies in response to public support for terrorism and anti-Semitic behavior.

Bob Vylan’s performance took place on Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage on Saturday. Midway through the set, frontman Bobby Vylan shouted “Free, free Palestine!” and then led the crowd in the chant, “Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).”

The artist stood before a massive screen that read: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’” The BBC, the UK’s public broadcaster, streamed the set live but now says it regrets airing the performance.

In a Sunday Instagram post captioned “I said what I said,” Bobby Vylan responded to the backlash. “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place,” he wrote. “As we grow older and our fire possibly starts to dim under the suffocation of adult life… we must inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”

CNN has reached out to the artist for further comment.

The performance has sparked strong reactions from both British and Israeli officials. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the chants “appalling hate speech” and said there was “no excuse” for it. The Israeli Embassy in the UK also condemned the rhetoric, saying it was “deeply disturbed” by the “inflammatory and hateful” display.

British police have launched a review of the footage. On Monday, Somerset Police confirmed they had opened a criminal investigation into both Bob Vylan and another group, Kneecap, who also performed on the same stage.

BBC officials issued a statement on Sunday expressing regret over airing the set. “Some of the comments made during the performance were deeply offensive,” a BBC spokesperson said. On Monday, the broadcaster said it should have pulled the live feed. “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves,” the statement read. “We respect freedom of expression but stand firmly against incitement to violence.”

Bob Vylan is known for music that addresses racism, sexism, and economic inequality. Their provocative lyrics and genre-blending sound have earned them a strong following, particularly among fans of politically charged punk and hip-hop.

Their set was not the only one to stir controversy at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap also faced scrutiny. Liam O’Hanna, who performs as Mo Chara, was recently charged with a terrorism offense in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 performance in London. Ahead of their Glastonbury appearance, Starmer stated it was “not appropriate” for the group to perform.

During their Saturday set, Kneecap addressed the controversy. Mo Chara told the crowd the week had been “stressful” but added, “It’s nothing compared to what the Palestinian people are going through.”

Another member, Naoise Ó Cairealláin (aka Móglaí Bap), challenged Starmer directly. “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer,” he said.

Somerset police say they are continuing to review evidence and will consider all applicable laws, including those related to hate speech and incitement.