The bands faced police scrutiny after one led a ‘death to the IDF’ chant and the other allegedly called on fans to ‘start a riot' at an upcoming court appearance
June 30, 2025 16:10
Both Bob Vylan and Kneecap have been placed under “criminal investigation” by Avon and Somerset Police over their performances at Glastonbury on Saturday.
The force confirmed over the weekend that it would review footage related to acts on the West Holts stage that afternoon.
And it has now announced the results of that review: that “further enquiries are required” into the two bands.
Bob Vylan sparked outrage when lead singer Bobby Vylan (named in the media as Pascal Robinson-Foster) led a chant of “death, death to the IDF”.
His comments have since been condemned by festival organisers, the BBC (which broadcasted them) and the government, with the prime minister dubbing them “hate speech”.
The investigation into Kneecap, meanwhile, is understood to centre on one of its members allegedly calling for a “riot” when bandmate Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, returns to court in August.
Chara is facing charges under the Terrorism Act 2000 after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in London last year. One of the other members of the trio allegedly called on fans to “start a riot” outside the court on August 20, before retracting the comment shortly after.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed.
“Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation.
“This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries 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.”
The announcement comes after the Met Police confirmed it would take “no further action” over allegations that a Kneecap member called on fans to “kill your MP” at a London show in 2023.
The force said that it had conducted a “thorough investigation” of the footage, but had decided not to proceed with charges.
While it said it “understands the impact this decision may have on MPs and their staff”, it reiterated that their safety “is taken extremely seriously” and that “relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team”.
A spokesperson also suggested that the length of time between the alleged incident taking place and it being brought to public attention could mean that the “statutory time limit for prosecution” may have been missed.
Meanwhile, Bob Vylan have had their visas for an upcoming US tour revoked by the State Department over what Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called a “hateful tirade”.