UTA Drops Bob Vylan After Glastonbury Controversy
Agency Cuts Ties Following Anti-Israel Chants at Festival
A major talent agency has severed its ties with the punk duo Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan following their recent performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The move comes in response to controversial statements made on stage that sparked significant backlash.
UTA Takes Swift Action
Executives at UTA made the decision over the weekend to part ways with Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan. This was after reviewing the content of their performance. The band’s set at Glastonbury on Saturday led to front-page coverage in UK newspapers because of Bobby Vylan’s chants and complaints.
I said what I said. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered. 🖤
— Bobby Vylan (@bobbyvylan) June 23, 2025
“We are appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday. Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
— Emily Eavis, Glastonbury Chief
According to a 2024 report by the Community Security Trust, antisemitic incidents in the UK have risen dramatically in recent years, demonstrating a concerning trend (CST 2024).
Festival Reactions and Broadcaster Response
Glastonbury organizers, like UTA, expressed their disapproval of Vylan’s remarks. During their set, Vylan also used the slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, free,” which was broadcast on the BBC.
The BBC has faced strong criticism for broadcasting Bob Vylan’s performance on iPlayer. The UK broadcaster said they regretted showing the Glastonbury set live. The BBC stated that the “antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.”
The incident has led to calls for accountability and has highlighted the complexities of free speech and artistic expression.
