The punk duo Bob Vylan faced a cancelled gig following comments made by frontman Bobby Vylan during a performance in Amsterdam. The comments targeted the far-right commentator Charlie Kirk, who had recently passed away. The venue in Tilburg, Netherlands, cited the band's statements as going "too far" and subsequently cancelled their scheduled show.
During the Amsterdam performance, Bobby Vylan, whose stage name is used, made further remarks. The venue's organizers stated that while they understood the context of punk and activism, the new statements exceeded the boundaries of what they could provide a platform for.
The venue had initially decided to allow the band to perform despite controversy stemming from their Glastonbury performance. At the Glastonbury festival, the frontman led chants, which led to a criminal investigation. The band also had their US visas revoked, disrupting a planned tour. After the band clarified the chant's meaning, the venue decided to proceed with the show.
The UK branch of Turning Point, the right-wing youth group founded by Kirk, alleged that footage from the Amsterdam show showed Bobby Vylan "mocking and glorifying" Kirk's death. In response, Bobby Vylan denied celebrating Kirk's death, acknowledging calling him a derogatory name but denying any celebration of his passing. He attributed the accusations to a reporter with a specific agenda.
The band later posted on social media, expressing their resilience despite the situation. Prior to the Amsterdam show, the band criticized the BBC director general on X regarding the Glastonbury controversy. The Newquay festival Boardmasters faced potential license revocation after allowing the band to perform in August, following the Glastonbury controversy.
A community organizer applied to Cornwall Council to review the festival's license, citing the band's appearance as undermining licensing objectives. A Boardmasters spokesperson stated the festival's stance against hate speech and incitement to violence. Devon and Cornwall police expressed satisfaction with the festival's measures. The council also heard from local supporters of Bob Vylan's performance. The band's performance ultimately proceeded without incident.
5 Comments
Habibi
There's a difference between protesting and openly celebrating someone's death. This crosses the line.
ZmeeLove
They bring up their political stance with violent chants, with the revocation of their visas and now a show cancellation. Clearly, it's not everyone who agrees with the band's political views.
Muchacho
Free speech means the right to criticize anyone, even if it's uncomfortable for some.
Coccinella
The show must go on! They deserve a platform, and the festival made the right decision despite the pressure.
Comandante
The venue has the right to curate its content. They are within their rights to revoke a booking.