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The frontman of Bob Vylan has expressed he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" act at the festival and declared he would "do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Chant and Official Responses

This outspoken music duo sparked widespread controversy when they initiated audience calls of "death, death to the IDF," referring to the IDF, during their June performance. The chant was censured by festival organizers and Britain's leader Keir Starmer, who labeled it as "appalling hate speech."

Following the event, Bob Vylan was dropped by its representation United Talent Agency, and the US state department cancelled the artists' travel documents, compelling them to cancel a planned US and Canada concert series.

Conversation with the Podcaster

In his first interview after the Glastonbury performance, Vylan, whose birth name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, spoke on The Louis Theroux Podcast. When questioned if he would repeat his actions, he replied:

"Absolutely. For instance suppose I was to perform at the festival again tomorrow, definitely I would do it again. I'm without regret of it. I'd say it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

He added that the backlash the band faced was "small compared to what people in Gaza are experiencing."

Regarding the Chant's Significance

"I aim not to overstate the importance of the slogan," he elaborated. "That's not what I'm attempting to do, but since I have their backing, 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 feel sorry about? Well, because I've upset some rightwing official or some conservative news outlet?"

Unexpected Response and Broadcaster Feedback

The artist said he was surprised by the uproar sparked by the exclamation, and asserted that staff of BBC employees at Glastonbury told him on the same day that the set was "excellent."

However, the corporation's ECU later determined that the network's airing of the performance violated editorial guidelines in relation to offense and hurt.

Vylan informed Theroux there was no sign of a controversy in the moment: "It wasn't like we left stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It's just normal. We leave stage. It's normal. No one suspected anything. Not a soul. Even crew at the broadcaster were like 'It was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Reply to Blur Frontman

Vylan also responded at the Blur singer, who called the chant "a major misstep I've witnessed in my life" and characterized him as "marching in tennis gear."

His comment was "disappointing" and "lacked self-awareness," Vylan remarked.

"I just want to say that categorising it as a 'spectacular misfire' suggests that in some way the views of the duo or our stance on Palestinian liberation is unplanned," he stated.

"I take great issue with the term 'marching' being used because it's only used around the Nazis," he added. "That's it. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his answer was appalling."

Intent Behind the Chant

After questioned what he meant by the chant "Death to the IDF," Vylan clarified the chant itself was "unimportant."

"What is important is the situation that exist to allow that chant to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in the region. In which the Palestinian population are being slain at an disturbing rate. What matters about the slogan?" he stated.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he added: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have caught on, right? … We are there to perform. We are there to sing songs. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Ideal slogan."

Rejection of Antisemitism Claims

Vylan also rejected claims from the CST, a watchdog and Jewish community safety group, that their performance led to a rise in anti-Jewish incidents reported later.

"I don't think I have created an unsafe environment for the Jewish community. If there were many individuals of people going out and saying 'We made me do this'. I might go, oh, I've had a negative impact here," he commented.

Comparison with Other Bands

As Vylan said he felt the band had been criticised more severely than others for voicing views about the conflict, Theroux brought up the Ireland-based group another band, who have likewise encountered criticism for their method to pro-Palestine advocacy.

"That's a notable point," he responded, "because as with everything race comes to play a factor in that we are an easier target, seriously, than others are because we are already the opponent."