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Punk duo lead singer Bobby Vylan has expressed he is "without regret" about his "anti-IDF chant" act at Glastonbury and asserted he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Chant and Political Responses

This outspoken punk duo ignited significant debate when they led audience chants of "down with the IDF," referring to the IDF, during their June set. The chant was censured by Glastonbury and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as "shocking hate speech."

Following the event, Bob Vylan was dropped by its agency United Talent Agency, and the American state department revoked the artists' visas, compelling the duo to call off a scheduled US and Canada tour.

Conversation with the Podcaster

During his initial public discussion after the Glastonbury show, the musician, using his real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, conversed on a popular podcast. When asked if he would repeat his actions, he replied:

"Absolutely. Like suppose I was to go on the festival again tomorrow, yes I would repeat it. I'm not regretful of it. I'd say it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

The artist added that the backlash the duo encountered was "small compared to what individuals in Gaza are experiencing."

On the Protest's Significance

"I aim not to overstate the significance of the chant," he elaborated. "It isn't what I'm attempting to do, but since I have their backing, they're the individuals that I'm advocating for, they're the individuals that I'm speaking up for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've upset some rightwing politician or some conservative news outlet?"

Surprising Reaction and BBC Feedback

The artist said he was taken aback by the outcry sparked by the exclamation, and asserted that staff of the broadcaster staff at the event told him on the same day that the set was "excellent."

Yet, the corporation's executive complaints unit subsequently determined that the network's broadcast of the show violated content guidelines in relation to harm and offence.

Vylan informed the host there was no indication of a controversy in the immediate aftermath: "It didn't feel like we left stage, and everybody was like [gasps]. It's just normal. We come off stage. It's normal. No one thought anything. Nobody. Including crew at the BBC were like 'That was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Reply to Damon Albarn

Vylan also responded at the Blur singer, who labeled the chant "one of the most spectacular misfires I've seen in my life" and characterized Vylan as "goose-stepping in sport gear."

His comment was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," Vylan remarked.

"I need to say that categorising it as a 'spectacular misfire' suggests that in some way the politics of the duo or our position on Palestinian liberation is not thought out," he explained.

"I strongly object with the phrase 'goose-stepping' being used because it's only used around the Nazis," he continued. "That's it. And for him to use that wording, I think is offensive. I think his answer was disgusting."

Meaning Behind the Slogan

After questioned what he meant by the phrase "Down with the IDF," Vylan clarified the slogan itself was "insignificant."

"What is important is the conditions that exist to permit that chant to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in the region. Where the local people are being slain at an disturbing rate. Who cares about the slogan?" he stated.

"The phrase rhymes," he noted: "'End, End the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, right? … We are there to perform. We are there to sing songs. I am a lyricist. 'The chant' rhymes. Perfect chant."

Rejection of Antisemitism Claims

Vylan also rejected claims from the CST, a monitoring and Jewish community safety organisation, that their performance contributed to a rise in anti-Jewish events reported two days.

"I don't think I have caused an hostile atmosphere for the Jewish community. Suppose there were large numbers of individuals going out and going like 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I might go, oh, I've had a bad effect here," he commented.

Contrast with Different Artists

As Vylan said he felt the band had been criticised more severely than others for speaking about the conflict, Theroux brought up the Irish band Kneecap, who have also encountered criticism for their method to pro-Palestine advocacy.

"That's a notable point," Vylan responded, "because as with all things ethnicity comes to play a part in that we are an easier target, seriously, than they are because we are already the enemy."