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Punk duo frontman of Bob Vylan has stated he is "without regret" about his "death, death to the IDF" performance at Glastonbury and declared he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Disputed Chant and Political Reactions

This vocal music pair sparked significant controversy when they initiated audience calls of "death, death to the IDF," referring to the IDF, during their June performance. The chant was condemned by Glastonbury and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as "appalling hate speech."

After the incident, Bob Vylan was released by its representation UTA, and the American state department revoked the artists' visas, forcing the duo to call off a planned North American concert series.

Conversation with Louis Theroux

During his first interview after the Glastonbury performance, Vylan, using his real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. When questioned if he would do it all again, he replied:

"Oh yeah. Like suppose I was to go on Glastonbury again tomorrow, definitely I would repeat it. I'm not regretful of it. I'd say it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

The artist noted that the backlash the duo faced was "small compared to what people in Gaza are experiencing."

Regarding the Protest's Importance

"I don't want to exaggerate the significance of the slogan," he continued. "It isn't what I'm trying to do, but since I have their support, they're the people that I'm doing it for, they're the individuals that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've upset some conservative politician or some rightwing media?"

Surprising Reaction and BBC Comments

The musician claimed he was surprised by the uproar sparked by the exclamation, and stated that staff of BBC staff at Glastonbury told him on the day that the set was "fantastic."

Yet, the corporation's executive complaints unit later found that the network's airing of the show violated content guidelines in relation to offense and offence.

Vylan told the host there was no indication of a controversy in the moment: "It didn't feel like we left stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It felt normal. We leave stage. It was normal. No one thought anything. Not a soul. Including staff at the broadcaster were like 'It was fantastic! We loved that!'"

Response to Damon Albarn

The musician also responded at Damon Albarn, who labeled the protest "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and described him as "marching in sport gear."

His comment was "letdown" and "lacked self-awareness," he said.

"I need to say that categorising it as a 'huge mistake' suggests that in some way the politics of the band or our position on Palestine's freedom is unplanned," he stated.

"I strongly object with the term 'goose-stepping' being used because it's typically associated around Nazi Germany," he continued. "Precisely. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his response was disgusting."

Meaning Behind the Chant

After asked what he intended by the chant "Down with the IDF," Vylan said the slogan itself was "unimportant."

"What is important is the situation that persist to permit that chant to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in Palestine. In which the Palestinian population are being killed at an disturbing rate. Who cares about the chant?" he said.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he added: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, would it? … We are there to entertain. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Perfect chant."

Denial of Hate Speech Allegations

The musician also rejected assertions from the Community Security Trust, a watchdog and Jewish community safety organisation, that their performance led to a rise in antisemitic events reported later.

"I don't think I have caused an unsafe environment for the Jewish people. If there were large numbers of people going out and going like 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I might go, oof, I've had a negative impact here," he commented.

Comparison with Different Bands

As he mentioned he thought the band had been targeted more heavily than others for voicing views about the conflict, the host brought up the Irish band another band, who have also faced criticism for their approach to pro-Palestinian messaging.

"That's an interesting one," Vylan responded, "since as with all things ethnicity becomes a part in that we are an easier villain, seriously, than they are because we are inherently the opponent."