Bob Vylan Responds to Police Dropping Investigation: “We Hope This Inspires Others to Speak Up”

Avon and Somerset Police’s decision to drop the investigation into Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury chants sparks a powerful call for solidarity and speaking out.

The Police Drop the Investigation: What Happened?

If you caught wind of the recent headlines about Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury 2025 set, you know it stirred quite the conversation. The band, known for their fierce punk energy and unfiltered political statements, faced an investigation over chants during their performance that included the phrase “death, death to the IDF.”

But now, Avon and Somerset Police have publicly confirmed that the chants did not meet the criminal threshold and that their investigation is officially over. The news landed on December 23, ending a six-month-long police probe into a segment of a performance that was deemed "evidently not hateful," but rather a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Bob Vylan bringing their unapologetic message to the Glastonbury stage.

A Band That Won’t Be Silenced

Frontman Bobby Vylan took to Instagram the very next day, December 24, to share their thoughts on the dropped investigation. His message was clear: the probe was never justified, and the band’s intent was never hateful. Instead, their performance was a passionate political statement.

“The arrival of the news that no further action will be taken against any member of Bob Vylan regarding our Glastonbury performance in June 2025, should be something we as a band find celebration in. But the fact is, the criminal investigation of the chant was never warranted in the first place.” — Bobby Vylan

He went on to criticize the media and political spheres that had relentlessly attacked them for using their platform to speak out against the actions of Israel and the so-called “illegal occupying military force.”

Over the past months, the band faced intense scrutiny, but Bobby Vylan’s stance has remained unwavering:

“For the past 6 months, Avon and Somerset police have investigated a small segment of a performance that was evidently not hateful, but was a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people."

The band called out what they described as “scare tactics” wielded by the British government through media, politicians, and law enforcement to prevent their Glastonbury performance from sparking wider support for Palestine.

Fighting Against Suppression: The Bigger Picture

Bob Vylan didn’t stop at their personal ordeal. They accused the British government of actively suppressing voices that speak out against Palestinian suffering, stating:

“Musicians, comedians, doctors, students and pensioners have all become targets. If we believed that the British media, politicians and police had any sense of self-awareness and capacity for shame, we would ask them to reflect on what they have allowed to continue by trying to suppress the voices of those speaking out. But we are far too aware that they have none.”

Despite the challenges, Bobby Vylan expressed hope that their victory will embolden others:

“So instead, we hope that this news inspires others in the UK and around the world to speak up, and continue speaking up, in support of the Palestinian people, without fear."

They spoke candidly about the fallout from their activism — canceled shows, revoked visas, tarnished reputations, and upheaval — but emphasized that their spirit and solidarity have only grown stronger:

“What we have lost in peace and security, we have gained tenfold in spirit and camaraderie. And that is unbreakable.”

Standing in Solidarity: Broader Implications

The band closed their statement with an inclusive message of freedom and resistance, invoking causes beyond their own:

“Thank you to everybody that has supported us in any way throughout the attempts to silence us, it has been beautiful to feel such community gather around. Free Palestine. Free the Filton 24. Free Sudan. Free Congo. And may all oppressed people the world over, resist the boot of tyranny on the neck of freedom.”

Police Statement and Community Response

Avon and Somerset Police detailed the investigation process, mentioning a voluntary interview with a man in his mid-30s and consultations with around 200 members of the public to determine if any criminal offenses occurred.

“We sought specific consideration around the words stated, in terms of the intent behind them, the wider context of how people heard what was said, case law and anything else potentially relevant, including freedom of speech,” the police stated.

Meanwhile, the Community Security Trust, a Jewish community protection charity, expressed disappointment with the decision, highlighting contrasting approaches by other police forces and warning that the ruling could send “completely the wrong message at the worst possible time.”

Continued Challenges and Resilience

Bob Vylan’s troubles didn’t end with Glastonbury. The Metropolitan Police also closed their investigation into the band’s May 2025 gig at Alexandra Palace in north London following CPS advice.

The aftermath saw multiple international shows canceled and US visas revoked just before a planned American tour. UK shows in Manchester and Leeds were postponed, reportedly due to political pressure from MPs and Jewish leaders.

Yet through it all, Bob Vylan has maintained their position. They clarified in earlier statements that their chant was not a call for harm against Jews or any group and doubled down on their conviction:

“I’d do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays. I’m not regretful of it at all.” — Bobby Vylan

Fighting Misinformation and Defamation

The band is also taking legal action to protect their reputation. Earlier this month, Bob Vylan sued Irish broadcaster RTÉ over claims of anti-Semitic chants during their Glastonbury set and received an apology with substantial damages from the Manchester Evening News over false reports accusing them of a Nazi salute at a gig.

New Music with a Message

Amidst the controversy, Bob Vylan released their first new single, Sick Sad World, where they took aim at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the BBC’s alleged misinformation campaign.

This new track channels their frustration and refusal to bow under pressure, embodying their relentless spirit that fans have come to admire and rally behind.

Final Thoughts

Bob Vylan’s saga is a vivid reminder of the power art and music hold as platforms for protest and solidarity. Their unflinching stance in the face of police scrutiny, political heat, and public debate is a testament to their courage and determination.

Will their story inspire a wave of artists and activists to speak louder and stand stronger? Only time will tell. But for now, Bob Vylan’s voice remains fierce, clear, and unbreakable.

FAQ

• What was the police investigation about?
  It focused on chants during Bob Vylan's Glastonbury 2025 set, specifically phrases alleged to be hateful, including “death, death to the IDF.”
• Why did the police drop the investigation?
  Avon and Somerset Police concluded the chants did not meet the criminal threshold and were a form of political expression and solidarity rather than hate speech.
• How did Bob Vylan react to the dropped investigation?
  They celebrated the decision but emphasized the investigation was unjustified and called for others to speak up for Palestinian solidarity without fear.
• What consequences did the band face after the controversy?
  They had shows canceled internationally, US visas revoked, and had to postpone UK gigs due to political pressure.
• What legal actions have Bob Vylan taken?
  They sued Irish broadcaster RTÉ over false claims and won an apology and damages from the Manchester Evening News over defamatory reporting.

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