MPs and Jewish Leaders Urge Cancellation of Bob Vylan’s Manchester Show Amid Controversy

MPs and Jewish leaders express deep concern over Bob Vylan’s Manchester gig, calling on the venue to cancel the performance due to contentious statements.

Tensions Rise Around Bob Vylan’s Manchester Performance

There’s a heated buzz in Manchester as MPs and Jewish community leaders call for the cancellation of Bob Vylan’s upcoming show at the Manchester Academy on November 5th. The punk-rap duo, known for their incendiary lyrics and bold political stances, have sparked a firestorm following their recent activities.

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester (JRC), backed by 10 MPs, has formally urged the venue to reconsider hosting the band. This follows Bob Vylan’s controversial set at Glastonbury 2025, where they led the crowd in chanting “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces],” moments that were broadcast live on the BBC.

From Glastonbury to Manchester: Controversy in the Spotlight

Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance earlier this year was no ordinary festival appearance. The duo’s provocation caught national attention, leading Avon and Somerset Police to launch a criminal investigation. Subsequently, the band faced serious repercussions—most notably having their US tour visas revoked, which led to the cancellation of their planned October shows across the States.

The band didn’t shy away from criticism; instead, they publicly slammed BBC director-general Tim Davie after he described the live broadcast of their set as “a very significant mistake.” Talk about stirring the pot.

“We were due to release the following statement supported by a number of Greater Manchester MPs on Friday 3rd October. Obviously this had to be delayed following the terrorist attack targeting our community.”

— Jewish Representative Council of GM & Region

The Call for Cancellation: Safety Versus Freedom of Expression

Despite denying accusations of antisemitism, the band’s association with controversial messages has prompted serious backlash. Earlier this year, Bob Vylan was dropped from Manchester’s Radar festival but they’re planning a comeback with their ‘We Won’t Go Quietly’ UK tour next month, which includes the Manchester show now under fire.

The JRC’s statement doesn’t mince words—they’re “deeply concerned by Manchester Academy’s decision to host Bob Vylan.” They argue that the band’s rhetoric doesn’t foster constructive debate but rather “carries a real danger.”

They emphasize the “vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism,” calling on the venue to “cancel the performance and commit to clear policies to ensure that it will not legitimize prejudice under the guise of freedom of speech.”

A Community on Edge After a Tragic Attack

The timing of this controversy intertwines painfully with recent events. The JRC had planned to release a statement on October 3rd but postponed it due to a tragic terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester’s Higher Crumpsall suburb. The attack, carried out by Jihad al-Shamie, resulted in three deaths, including the perpetrator, and left three others injured.

Marc Levy, chief executive of the JRC and a lifelong community member, expressed the deep sadness felt across Manchester. His poignant words reveal the emotional weight behind the call for concert cancellation:

“I have grown up there, my kids have grown up there, and people who I’ve known all my life now have this sadness in their eyes. The worst thing is that the attack was inevitable… because you have individual venues prepared to give a platform to artists like Bob Vylan who talk about ‘hunting down Zionists’ and ‘death to the IDF.’ We understand the need for freedom of expression, but we can’t be having people like that performing on our streets.”

Several Labour MPs, including Elsie Blundell, Kirith Entwhistle, James Frith, Navendu Mishra, and others, alongside Liberal Democrat MP Tom Morrison, have publicly supported the JRC’s statement.

Controversy Beyond the UK: Cancellation in the Netherlands

Bob Vylan’s controversies aren't confined to Manchester. Last month, a scheduled gig in Tilburg, the Netherlands, was canceled after frontman Bobby Vylan allegedly celebrated the assassination of right-wing US commentator Charlie Kirk, a staunch ally of Donald Trump.

Bobby’s blunt remark, calling Kirk a “piece of shit,” sparked the venue 013 to pull the plug. The band swiftly responded with a video denying any celebration of Kirk’s death:

“I did call him a piece of shit, that much is true. But at no point was his death celebrated.” – Bobby Vylan

The Ongoing Debate: Where Do We Draw the Line?

The Bob Vylan saga poses challenging questions about the boundaries of free expression, artistic provocation, and community safety. Should venues stand firm on the side of free speech, or is there a responsibility to shield communities from incendiary rhetoric that may incite harm?

This debate is far from settled as Manchester braces for the upcoming show.

FAQ

• Who are Bob Vylan?
  Bob Vylan is a punk-rap duo known for their politically charged lyrics and provocative live performances.
• Why are MPs and Jewish leaders concerned about the Manchester show?
  They are worried about the band's controversial statements, including chants against the Israeli Defence Forces, which they fear could incite hatred or violence.
• What happened at Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury 2025 performance?
  The duo led the crowd in chanting “death to the IDF,” which was broadcast live, leading to police investigations and visa revocations.
• Has Bob Vylan faced cancellations before?
  Yes, they were dropped from Manchester’s Radar festival and had a show canceled in the Netherlands due to controversy over comments made by the band.
• What is the Jewish Representative Council’s position on freedom of speech?
  They acknowledge its importance but stress it should not be used to legitimize prejudice or incite violence under the guise of artistic expression.

If you’re a fan of music and culture, why not celebrate your passion with a favorite album cover poster? Browse our collection to bring the spirit of the scene right into your home. Check it out here.