Music

Police End Criminal Probe Into Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Performance

TM
Taylor Morgan
Music Critic & Culture Writer
Police End Criminal Probe Into Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Performance
Image source: Consequence

Police have ended their investigation into Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance, citing 'insufficient evidence'. The punk duo had chanted 'Free Palestine' during their set, leading to accusations of violating Britain's hate speech laws.

The incident occurred on June 24, 2025, at the Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, Somerset. Bob Vylan's performance was met with a mix of applause and boos from the crowd, with some attendees expressing outrage over the duo's anti-Israel chant.

The police investigation was launched in response to complaints from festival-goers who felt that the duo's words were 'hateful and discriminatory'. However, after reviewing the evidence, the police have decided not to pursue charges against the duo.

The decision has been met with a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike. Some have praised the police for dropping the charges, while others have expressed disappointment and frustration that the investigation was launched in the first place.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about free speech and hate speech in the UK. While some argue that the police have a responsibility to protect people from hateful language, others argue that the investigation was an overreach of authority.

The controversy surrounding Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance is just the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving hate speech and free speech in the UK. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the line between free speech and hate speech is increasingly blurred.

Sources

[6] Police End Criminal Probe Into Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Performance