British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan will not be performing in the U.S. after the State Department revoked their visas. This move follows their Glastonbury Festival set where the band led chants against the Israeli military, including phrases like "death to the IDF" and “From the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free.” The performance ignited backlash for perceived incitement of violence, drawing condemnation from U.S. officials.
The visa revocation cancels Bob Vylan’s planned U.S. tour in November 2025 and likely ends their participation in upcoming major U.S. festivals, including Coachella. Fans have praised the duo’s energetic and politically charged festival sets, making their absence a notable loss on the 2025 circuit.
The incident has sparked a fierce debate online and among festival communities around artistic activism, the limits of free speech, and U.S. entry policies. While some defend the band’s right to political expression, others view the chants as crossing a critical line.
For context and further reading:
- Reuters: US revokes visas for Bob Vylan after Glastonbury chants
- AP News: UK police probe Bob Vylan’s festival chants and U.S. visa revocation
- Time: Republicans seek ban on Bob Vylan in U.S. after Glastonbury chant controversy
Bob Vylan’s position in the festival scene represents a flashpoint where music, politics, and international policy collide, marking a significant moment in 2025’s festival landscape.
Source: r/coachella