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Punk duo lead singer Bobby Vylan has stated he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" performance at the festival and asserted he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Exclamation and Official Reactions

The outspoken music pair sparked significant debate when they led audience calls of "down with the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June performance. This chant was condemned by festival organizers and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as "shocking hate speech."

Following the event, Bob Vylan was dropped by its representation UTA, and the American government cancelled the members' visas, compelling them to cancel a planned North American tour.

Conversation with Louis Theroux

During his initial interview after the Glastonbury performance, Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. When asked if he would repeat his actions, he responded:

"Oh yeah. For instance what if I was to perform at the festival again tomorrow, definitely I would repeat it. I'm not regretful of it. I'd say it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

The artist added that the criticism the band faced was "minimal compared to what people in Gaza are experiencing."

Regarding the Chant's Importance

"I aim not to exaggerate the importance of the slogan," he continued. "That's not what I'm attempting to do, but since I have the Palestinian people's backing, these are the people that I'm advocating for, they're the individuals that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've upset some conservative official or some rightwing media?"

Unexpected Response and BBC Comments

This artist claimed he was taken aback by the uproar sparked by the exclamation, and stated that staff of the broadcaster staff at Glastonbury told him on the day that the set was "excellent."

However, the corporation's executive complaints unit subsequently found that the BBC's airing of the performance breached editorial guidelines in regard to harm and hurt.

He told Theroux there was no indication of a controversy in the immediate aftermath: "It didn't feel like we came off stage, and everybody was like [gasps]. It felt normal. We come off stage. It was normal. No one suspected anything. Not a soul. Including crew at the broadcaster were like 'That was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Response to Damon Albarn

Vylan also hit back at Damon Albarn, who labeled the protest "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and characterized Vylan as "goose-stepping in sport gear."

Albarn's reaction was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," he said.

"I need to say that labeling it as a 'spectacular misfire' implies that in some way the politics of the band or our stance on Palestinian liberation is unplanned," he explained.

"I take great issue with the phrase 'goose-stepping' being used because it's only used around the Nazis," he continued. "That's it. And for him to use that language, I think is offensive. I think his answer was disgusting."

Intent Behind the Slogan

After asked what he meant by the phrase "Down with the IDF," the artist said the slogan itself was "insignificant."

"The key issue is the situation that persist to permit that chant to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that are present in Palestine. In which the Palestinian people are being killed at an disturbing rate. What matters about the chant?" he stated.

"The phrase rhymes," he noted: "'End, End the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn't have spread, would it? … We are there to perform. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Ideal slogan."

Rejection of Antisemitism Claims

Vylan also rejected claims from the Community Security Trust, a watchdog and Jewish community safety organisation, that their set led to a spike in antisemitic incidents recorded later.

"I believe I have caused an unsafe atmosphere for the Jewish people. If there were many individuals of individuals acting and going like 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I could go, oof, I've had a negative effect here," he commented.

Contrast with Other Artists

When he mentioned he thought the band had been criticised more heavily than others for speaking about the situation, the host brought up the Ireland-based group Kneecap, who have likewise encountered criticism for their method to pro-Palestinian messaging.

"That's a notable point," Vylan responded, "because as with all things race comes to play a factor in that we are an easier villain, seriously, than others are because we are inherently the opponent."