Bob Vylan are due to play in Manchester this weekend
17:57, 30 Jun 2025Updated 20:44, 30 Jun 2025
Bob Vylan caused controversy at Glastonbury(Image: WireImage)
A Jewish group has called on a Manchester venue to cancel a Bob Vylan gig after the band caused controversy at Glastonbury.
A criminal investigation is now under way after police reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the punk band’s appearance at the festival in Somerset. Belfast rappers Kneecap are also under investigation for comments during their set, police have confirmed.
During Bob Vylan’s performance, frontman Bobby Vylan chanted ‘death, death to the IDF’, referring to the Israel Defence Forces.
A Jewish group from Greater Manchester is now urging Victoria Warehouse to axe the band’s appearance at a festival this weekend.
Bob Vylan is due to perform at RADAR Festival, a three day festival taking place at the venue near Old Trafford, on Saturday (July 5).
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In a statement issued on Monday (June 30), the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region said: “We have been made aware that Bob Vylan is scheduled to perform on the 5th and 6th July at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
“The fallout from his appalling, hate filled concert at Glastonbury has shocked the Jewish community.”
The JRC said it appreciates the ‘importance of artistic freedom’, but called for the concert to be cancelled.
The group added: “It should be noted that those showing solidarity with Jewish or Israeli artists cancelled by venues for no reason has been in precious short supply from those who have championed Bob Vylan or Kneecap.
“We call on the Victoria Warehouse to cancel the performance given the legitimate concerns we have that this platform will be used to further promote hate speech.”
A GMP spokesperson said: “We are aware that Bob Vylan will be performing in Manchester at the weekend.
“Greater Manchester is famous for promoting music of all genres and we welcome all artists to our region. However, we will act immediately on any reports of commentary or actions that could be breaking the law.”
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that video footage and audio recordings from the two performances at the West Holts Stage on Saturday (June 28) have been reviewed and a criminal investigation is now under way into the Bob Vylan and Kneecap sets.
Bob Vylan are due to play in Manchester this weekend(Image: GETTY)
It comes after Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence.
During the set at Glastonbury on Saturday (June 29), Naoise O Caireallain, who performs as Moglai Bap, suggested fans ‘start a riot’ outside his bandmate’s upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
A police spokesman said: “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage.
“The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.
“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling.
“There is absolutely no place in society for hate.”
Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts stage(Image: PA)
Bob Vylan played at Coachella in California earlier this year but will be unable to return to the US where they were set to perform in Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia in the autumn after the country’s deputy secretary of state said the band had been banned.
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In a statement posted to Instagram after the Glastonbury set, Vylan said: “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.
“As we grow older and our fire starts to possibly dim under the suffocation of adult life and all its responsibilities, it is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us.”
Bob Vylan are due to perform at Radar Festival at Victoria Warehouse on Saturday (July 5) and Boardmasters in Cornwall in August.
Victoria Warehouse, Radar Festival and Bob Vylan have been contacted for comment.