013 Cancels Bob Vylan Performance Following Controversial Statements
TILBURG, Netherlands – Poppodium 013 in Tilburg has canceled British punk duo Bob Vylan’s scheduled performance next Tuesday, citing statements made by vocalist Bobby Vylan during a show at Amsterdam’s Paradiso. The venue stated the artist “trivialized political murder” and incited the audience to seek out “political opponents on the street,” deeming the remarks a breach of their acceptable boundaries for stage content.
The cancellation follows a Paradiso performance where Bob Vylan and supporting act Leuzen made provocative statements. Leuzen called for “Death to the IDF” – referring to the Israeli defense Force – and directed insults at American activist Charlie Kirk. While acknowledging the context of punk and activism, 013 officials persistent the expressions crossed a line.”Even though we understand that the statements were made in the context of punk and activism, and that the reporting on this is sometimes less nuanced than what has actually happened, we think that these new expressions are going too far,” 013 stated. “For us, they no longer fall within the limits of what we can offer a stage.”
The decision raises questions about the limits of artistic expression and venue duty, especially within politically charged musical genres. 013’s action underscores a growing debate about the potential consequences of on-stage rhetoric and the role venues play in moderating potentially harmful speech.
Meanwhile, a planned Bob Vylan performance tomorrow at Doornroosje in nijmegen remains scheduled, though its format is under review. Artistic director Joris Holter expressed reluctance to cancel outright, stating, “We can’t just let that show continue. But I don’t want to cancel, that’s too easy.” Holter emphasized opposition to glorifying violence, but also expressed a desire to understand the artists’ intent and potentially find choice ways for them to express their views. “The glorification of a political murder is not possible,” Holter said. “I hope we can look further: what do they really mean? I hope we get them to think of something else so that they can still give their opinion.” Holter also noted the artists themselves were “quite shocked by the size and intensity” of the reaction to their statements.