Bob Vylan removed from Manchester festival following Glastonbury controversy

Punk duo Bob Vylan have been removed from the line-up of the Radar Festival in Manchester following their controversial performance at Glastonbury. The group was set to headline the festival at Victoria Warehouse, but organizers canceled their appearance. Bob Vylan responded on Instagram, promising to return to Manchester. Their removal comes after the lead singer led the crowd in chanting ‘death to the IDF’ during their Glastonbury performance, sparking criticism across political divides. The prime minister condemned the chants as ‘appalling hate speech,’ while the BBC and other outlets faced backlash for broadcasting the performance live. The duo clarified that they do not support violence but oppose a military machine. They also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, while stressing that their actions should not detract from the real issues at hand. This controversy has led to further cancellations, including their performance at the French festival Kave Fest and a German concert. Bob Vylan’s critics, including the UK’s chief rabbi, denounced the anti-Semitic rhetoric, which has prompted a criminal investigation by the police.