Bob Vylan released a statement addressing backlash from their Glastonbury 2025 performance, clarifying they do not advocate death for any group but call for the dismantling of military violence. They criticized the government's response, labeling it a distraction from the killings in Gaza. They argued that the focus on the band diverts attention from governmental inaction regarding humanitarian crises. The band encouraged others to speak out for freedom of speech, urging support for Palestine during their performance, which featured chants and messages highlighting the conflict and casualties in Gaza.
Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace. 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 are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction. The government doesn't want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity. To ask why they aren't doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving?
The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction. We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last. And if you care for the sanctity of human freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up, too. Free Palestine.
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