Bob Vylan postpones Uni of Manchester gig over ‘political pressure’

Punk-rock duo Bob Vylan have posponed their Manchester gig after facing “political pressure.”

The band made headlines last summer after leading crowds in chants of “free, free, Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF” during their Glastonbury set.

Britain’s Education Minister Bridget Phillipson later claimed that these comments could cause “fear and intimidation” when asked whether their November gig in Manchester Academy should be cancelled.

Manchester Academy is owned by the University of Manchester’s Student Union.

In a post shared on Bob Vylan’s Instagram, the duo said: “Due to political pressure from the likes of Bridget Phillipson and groups in the north-west of England, we have had to reschedule our Leeds and Manchester shows.

“All tickets remain valid and all other shows are continuing as planned. Bristol sold out, last few tickets left for London. See you soon. Love ya.”

Phillipson said in relation to the gig that universities “have powers to take action to prevent harrassment and intimidation.”

“I don’t know about the specifics in terms of ownership of that site and where that sits,” she added, “but I am deeply, deeply troubled by some of what we’ve heard from the individual in question in that group, about the fear and intimidation that could cause.”

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester also said that the concert should have been cancelled following the synagogue attack on 2nd October and the lack of response from the venue was labelled “utterly unforgiveable.”

In an updated statement, they later added that Bob Vylan had “repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement” must be cancelled.

“There is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism” they concluded.

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Their Manchester show has been rescheduled for 5th February 2025.

When speaking on the Louis Theroux Podcast early this week, the Bob Vylan frontman, Bobby Vylan said that the chant reference “an end to the oppression that Palestinian people are facing, an end to the apartheid regime that has been created…end, end the IDF does not rhyme.”

He also said that he was “not regretful” of the chant at Glastonbury and would “do it again tomorrow.”

Featured image via Canva and @bobbyvyland on Instagram