Boy Vylan: Are They Villains?

What can you say about Bob Vylan? On the surface, they look Rastafarian and Reggae. But do not be fooled by their dreads and the fact that they are black or mixed race. Their music incorporates Hip-Hop, Metal, and Punk. Hailing from Ipswich, England, the band is now based in London.

The front man, born Pascal Robinson-Foster, is of mixed race. With a Jamaican father and English mother. The drummer's origins are less well known. Robinson-Foster plays guitar, sings, and raps. Their music is charged with issues such as racism, social justice, politics, etc.

Pascal-Robinson, who chose the moniker Bob Vylan, a play on Bob Dylan, goes by the alias of Bob Vylan even though that is the name of the duo, too. What made them even more infamous, either by default, design, or both, was their recent Glastonbury performance. As they hit the stage, their controversial music blasted around the stage, the crowd, and the rest of Glastonbury.

During an interlude between performances, Bob shouted, "Heard of this one?"! "Death, death, to the IDF"! the crowd chanted with them. A reference to Israel's actions in Gaza, which some designate as a modern genocide. Some have gone further and called it a modern-day "Holocaust" unravelling before our eyes.

Of course, this earned the group something of a reputation for being even more controversial. As I said before, the duo do not shy away from issues that others would not touch with a barge pole. Right away, their proclamation was condemned by PM Sir Keir Starmer. The BBC cut off the broadcast. And switched to another performance by Irish rap group Kneecap. Known for its controversial music. The band were condemned for saying "Kill your MP"! They make no bones about the fact that they are pro-Palestinian. So poor BBC, my heart bleeds for you - not, you scored an own goal there!

I think those in charge of the festival must have known that with both artists there would likely be some controversy. So, even if they acted shocked, and maybe some were, some feigned shock. But they were probably secretly grinning at the upset that both bands would cause. What the owner of Worthy Farm, a Methodist Hippie in his 80s or 90s, thought of it is not known. The owner of the farm is a standard farmer normally, but puts on the fest to make a bit of money on the side. When it first started, the ticket prices were dirt cheap. Now the festival attracts massive artists, up-and-coming artists. The music is varied, with different stages showcasing this.

Old man rocker Rod Stewart, who has never shown signs of being political as far as I am aware, told the audience to vote for Reform UK and Farage. Also, there was The Prodigy, who combine dance and rock music. Back in the 90s Punk frontman Keith Flint caused controversy with songs like "Firestarter", "Breathe", and "Smack My Bitch Up".

Sadly, old Keith is no longer with us, and like many bands that lost members either through death or because they left the band, their performances are not the same. And that's certainly the truth, in The Prodigy's live performances without Keith.

At the end of the day, whether it's The Prodigy, Rod Stewart, Kneecap, or Bob Vylan being controversial, the organisers and ticket sellers are laughing all the way to the bank. The fans usually get up to their necks in mud if the weather isn't sunny. Wellies and waterproofs are a must.

The festival is over now for another year. However, there are festivals showcasing bands and artists all year long. Probably with controversial statements and songs.