Bob Vylan Drops Out of Gogol Bordello’s European Tour After Glastonbury Fallout

Bob Vylan pulls out of Gogol Bordello’s European tour amid controversy following their provocative Glastonbury performance.

Bob Vylan Ends Support Slot on Gogol Bordello’s European Tour

The punk-rap duo Bob Vylan will no longer be supporting New York’s eccentric punk band Gogol Bordello on their upcoming European tour. Both bands confirmed this decision following a heated aftermath from Bob Vylan’s recent Glastonbury Festival set.

The Controversy That Sparked the Fallout

Bob Vylan ignited a firestorm during their Glastonbury set last month by openly supporting Palestine, condemning Israel, and leading the crowd in a chant demanding death to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). This bold move provoked backlash, including a Cologne music venue cancelling their support slot for Gogol Bordello’s show there.

“Due to logistical complications, we have decided not to join our friends Gogol Bordello on their upcoming European tour. However, we will be heading to Europe in the coming months for both festivals and headline shows.” – Bob Vylan statement

They also teased fans on Instagram, hinting at upcoming headline European dates:
“Keep posted for headline EU announcements soon 👀.”

Gogol Bordello’s Response to the Situation

In a statement, Gogol Bordello clarified that dropping Bob Vylan from their Cologne show “was not our decision and beyond our control.” They said:

• After the controversy, they took time to evaluate the situation.
• Reopened talks with Bob Vylan following a detailed explanation from the duo.
• Ultimately found it “logistically impossible” to continue with Bob Vylan on the tour given the circumstances.

They emphasized their diverse, multinational lineup and shared values of international understanding and freedom of speech from all viewpoints.

Upcoming Gogol Bordello Shows

Gogol Bordello will tour Europe in September, wrapping up a UK run with a London performance at Electric Ballroom on November 1.

Tickets are available through official outlets.

The Wider Impact on Bob Vylan

Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance set off a series of repercussions:

• A criminal investigation into their statements was initiated.
• Their US visas were revoked.
• They were removed from the headline slot at Manchester’s Radar Festival.
• Their agents reportedly cut ties.

The controversy also sparked divided opinions in the music community. Damon Albarn called Bob Vylan’s chant “one of the most spectacular misfires I’ve seen in my life,” while legends like Chuck D and Massive Attack rallied in support of the duo. Massive Attack urged media to focus on the daily hardships faced by the people of Gaza instead of the controversy.

Bob Vylan’s Stand and Recent Performance

At their first UK show since Glastonbury, held at London’s iconic 100 Club, Bob Vylan asked fans to stop chanting “death to the IDF,” aiming to quell unrest at the event.

The duo issued a statement clarifying their stance:

“We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use ‘unnecessary lethal force’ against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza. We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.” – Bob Vylan

Conclusion

The Bob Vylan and Gogol Bordello situation highlights the complex intersection of music, politics, and free speech in today’s global climate. Will this controversy push artists and audiences to rethink how political expressions are handled on stage? Only time will tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What led to Bob Vylan dropping out of Gogol Bordello’s tour?
  Bob Vylan decided not to join the European tour due to logistical complications arising from backlash over their political statements at Glastonbury.
• Did Gogol Bordello choose to remove Bob Vylan?
  Gogol Bordello stated the removal was beyond their control and not their decision.
• What was controversial about Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set?
  They expressed support for Palestine, criticized Israel, and led chants calling for death to the Israel Defence Forces.
• How has the music community reacted to Bob Vylan’s actions?
  Reactions vary: Damon Albarn criticized them, while Chuck D and Massive Attack defended their right to free speech.
• Are Bob Vylan planning future European shows?
  Yes, they hinted at upcoming headline European dates but will not support Gogol Bordello’s tour.

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