John Lydon Calls Bob Vylan’s “Death to the IDF” Chant at Glastonbury “Rather Sad and Pointless”

John Lydon shares his candid take on Bob Vylan’s provocative Glastonbury chant, sparking debate on music, politics, and free speech.

Music festivals have always been the perfect storm for passion, politics, and pulse-pounding performances. Yet, few moments at Glastonbury 2025 stirred the pot quite like Bob Vylan’s frontman Bobby Vylan leading the crowd in chants of “death to the IDF” and “free, free Palestine.” The shockwaves rippled far beyond the fields of Worthy Farm, igniting controversy that’s still echoing—and none other than punk royalty John Lydon has weighed in on the matter.

A Controversial Chant That Reverberated

Bob Vylan’s set at Glastonbury was broadcast live on the BBC and quickly became a focal point of heated discussion. Bobby Vylan’s impassioned call for “death to the IDF” shocked many, with the chant stirring feelings from supporters and critics alike. The band faced immediate backlash, with numerous international gigs canceled and their US visas revoked ahead of a planned tour.

Two UK shows in Manchester and Leeds were postponed “due to political pressure” from MPs and Jewish community leaders, illustrating the charged atmosphere surrounding the band’s provocative message.

Adding to the tension, Avon and Somerset Police launched a criminal investigation into the performance. Thankfully for Bob Vylan, after careful examination, authorities concluded that no further action would be taken.

Bob Vylan at the BandLab Awards 2022. Credit: Zoe McConnell

John Lydon’s Unfiltered Opinion

When asked about the chant, John Lydon didn’t hold back. Speaking to The Times, he described it as “rather sad and pointless.”

“That’s just riding on the current wave of leftism, where you don’t have to think anymore. You just react with the herd. Moo!” — John Lydon

Lydon’s words slice through the noise with punk-like bluntness. He argued that the chant reflected a herd mentality, a knee-jerk reaction without deeper thought—something he views as both unproductive and disheartening.

He also revisited comments he made earlier this year about Kneecap, another politically outspoken band. Lydon wryly suggested they “should follow their own advice,” playfully referencing their band name. His previous quip about them needing “a bloody good kneecapping” stirred online chatter, especially as footage showed Kneecap members appearing to support controversial groups and even urging fans to “kill their local MP.”

Kneecap’s Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap at Glastonbury 2025. Credit: Andy Ford

Lydon made it clear that inciting violence or hate speech crosses a line. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said:

“If you’re advocating the death of another human being, then you have no cause whatsoever. You are my enemy from here on in for the rest of your mediocre existence.”

No stranger to controversy himself, Lydon underscored the importance of not making enemies out of fellow humans, while not shying away from tough talk when necessary.

The Delicate Balance of Politics and Music

While critical of Bob Vylan’s approach, Lydon expressed support for the broader cause of Palestinian freedom, with a crucial caveat:

“So long as you free it from Hamas.”

This distinction is important given the brutal realities on the ground. The Israeli music festival Supernova suffered a horrific attack by Hamas in October 2023, claiming over 1,200 lives, with around 250 attendees taken hostage. And in Gaza, the toll on Palestinians has been staggering, with over 71,200 lives lost since the conflict escalated.

Lydon’s own career has seen him perform worldwide, including Israel, where PiL (Public Image Ltd) played Tel Aviv back in 2010. He emphasized his willingness to play in Israel or Muslim-majority countries alike:

“Of course. There are human beings in Israel, aren’t there? My attitude about playing in pro-Muslim nations has always been the same too. Why won’t you let us?”

Personal Reflections from Punk Legend

In the same interview, Lydon opened up about a deeply personal note—the death of his wife Nora Forster. He revealed that none of his former Sex Pistols bandmates reached out at that time, a painful silence that contrasts with his usually forthright persona.

This glimpse into Lydon’s private life adds another layer to his public commentary. It reminds us that behind the punk bravado is a man navigating loss, politics, and the ever-volatile mix of music and activism.

Final Thoughts: Provocation or Pointless?

The Bob Vylan chant at Glastonbury ignited a fierce debate about the role of music as a platform for political statements. John Lydon’s reaction—calling it “rather sad and pointless”—offers a seasoned perspective from someone who’s no stranger to controversy himself. Is it a necessary outcry or just another flash in the pan of performative politics?

What do you think? Can punk and protest coexist without crossing into harmful territory? Or is the line too blurry in today’s charged climate?

FAQ

• What exactly did Bob Vylan chant at Glastonbury? Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chanting “death to the IDF” and “free, free Palestine” during their Glastonbury 2025 set.
• What consequences did Bob Vylan face after the chant? Several international shows were canceled, US visas revoked, and UK gigs postponed due to political pressure and controversy.
• Did the police take any action against Bob Vylan? Avon and Somerset Police conducted a criminal investigation but ultimately decided to take no further action.
• What is John Lydon’s stance on the chant? Lydon called it “rather sad and pointless,” criticizing it as thoughtless herd behavior and emphasizing that inciting violence is unacceptable.
• Does John Lydon support Palestinian freedom? Yes, he supports a free Palestine as long as it is free from Hamas and violence against civilians.

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