Police are reviewing videos of comments made by Bob Vylan and Kneecap at Glastonbury to determine if any offenses were committed.
During their set on the West Holts Stage, Bob Vylan’s Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.” Later, a member of Kneecap reportedly encouraged fans to “start a riot” protesting bandmate’s upcoming court appearance.
Avon and Somerset Police stated on social media: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.”
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
A Government spokesperson confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has contacted the BBC director general regarding Bob Vylan’s performance.
They added, “We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.”
“The Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director General to seek an urgent explanation about what due diligence it carried out ahead of the Bob Vylan performance, and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
A BBC spokesperson stated: “Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan’s set were deeply offensive. During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language. We have no plans to make the performance available on demand.”
Kneecap, from Belfast, has been in the news recently due to member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, being charged with a terror offense.
Referring to his bandmate’s court date, Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap) reportedly said they would “start a riot outside the courts,” later clarifying: “No riots just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
During the performance, Caireallain stated: “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f*** Keir Starmer.”
He also thanked the “Eavis family” for their support, saying “they stood strong” despite calls to remove them from the lineup.
O hAnnaidh, 27, wore a keffiyeh during the set. JJ O Dochartaigh (DJ Provai) wore his signature tri-colored balaclava and a T-shirt that read “We are all Palestine Action,” referencing the campaign group soon to be banned.
Before Kneecap took the stage, news broadcasts critical of the group were played from the sound system and booed by the Glastonbury audience.
The trio began with “Better Way To Live” from their 2024 album *Fine Art*, and also performed “Get Your Brits Out” and “Hood.”
The area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before Kneecap’s performance due to the large number of fans displaying Irish and Palestinian flags.
Earlier on Saturday, the BBC confirmed they would not live-stream Kneecap’s set but indicated it might be available on-demand later.
O hAnnaidh is charged with allegedly displaying a flag supporting the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a gig in November 2023.
On June 18, O hAnnaidh was greeted by hundreds of supporters, along with bandmates O Caireallain and O Dochartaigh, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, all wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
