What happened between Bob Vylan and Gogol Bordello? English punk rock duo removed from European tour over Glastonbury controversy

English punk rap duo Bob Vylan was supposed to perform with the American punk rock band Gogol Bordello during the latter’s European tour. However, as per latest updates, the collaboration is off the cards. On July 14, the duo shared a statement on Instagram, writing:

“Dur to logistical complications, we have decided not to join our friends Gogol Bordello on their upcoming European tour. However, we will be heading to Europe in the coming months for both festivals and headline shows.”

Gogol Bordello also shared a statement on Instagram on July 14, writing that after Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, the promoter and venues canceled their scheduled shows together in Germany, a decision that was out of their hands.

They said they had to reassess the situation, and chose to remove the duo from the tour temporarily until they could get clarity on the matter. Their statement mentioned:

“Unfortunately, it is logistically impossible for BV to participate on the tour given the circumstances. We worked diligently together with our friends Bob Vylan to find a solution but in the end it didn't work out.”

The band added:

“Gogol Bordello is comprised o members from various nationalities and celebrates international understanding consequentially, we value freedom of speech from all perspectives.”

According to Billboard, during the duo’s Glastonbury performance on June 28, they reportedly chanted slogans like “death to the IDF.” The festival organisers were upset over the act and alleged that the musical duo was promoting hate speech. Following the Glastonbury incident, the English duo lost their visas and were no longer represented by their agency, among other repercussions.

Statements from other bands following Bob Vylan’s removal from the Radar festival

Despite the criticism, Bob Vylan has received support from many fellow artists and groups. For instance, rapper Chuck D expressed solidarity for the duo. English band Massive Attack also spoke out about the situation in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Bob Vylan was removed from the Radar festival in Manchester, after which many other bands also announced their exit. The rock band, The Scratch, which also backed out, shared a statement, writing:

“The censorship and de-platforming of artists speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza is greasy, dangerous and must be challenged. To be clear, this decision is not a criticism of Radar Festival. We understand it was an incredibly difficult and complex situation. This is about showing solidarity with Bob Vylan and any artist who may face similar treatment in the future.”

Similarly, the music band ĠENN noted:

“bullying, censorship, and strong-arming” directed at Bob Vylan and Radar Festival, per Billboard.

However, for their safety and peace of mind, they ultimately decided to withdraw from performing at Radar that weekend.

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The rap duo Bob Vylan, in a previous statement, explained that they did not support harm toward Jews, Arabs, or any other group. Their stance was against violent military systems.

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