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Punk duo frontman of Bob Vylan has stated he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" performance at Glastonbury and asserted he would "do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Disputed Exclamation and Official Responses

This outspoken music pair ignited widespread debate when they led audience calls of "death, death to the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, during their summer set. This slogan was condemned by festival organizers and Britain's leader Keir Starmer, who labeled it as "shocking hate speech."

After the event, Bob Vylan was dropped by its representation United Talent Agency, and the US government cancelled the members' visas, forcing them to cancel a scheduled North American concert series.

Conversation with the Podcaster

During his first interview since the festival performance, Vylan, using his birth name is Pascal Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. After asked if he would do it all again, he replied:

"Absolutely. For instance what if I was to perform at Glastonbury again tomorrow, definitely I would repeat it. I'm without regret of it. I'd say it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

He noted that the criticism the duo faced was "small compared to what people in Palestine are experiencing."

Regarding the Chant's Importance

"I aim not to overstate the importance of the slogan," he elaborated. "It isn't what I'm trying to do, but since I have their backing, they're the individuals that I'm advocating for, they're the individuals that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to feel sorry about? Oh, because I've angered some conservative politician or some rightwing media?"

Unexpected Response and Broadcaster Feedback

The musician claimed he was surprised by the outcry triggered by the chant, and stated that members of BBC employees at Glastonbury told him on the same day that the set was "excellent."

However, the corporation's ECU later found that the network's broadcast of the show breached editorial standards in relation to offense and offence.

He told Theroux there was no sign of a controversy in the moment: "It wasn't like we came off stage, and everybody was like [shocked]. It's just normal. We leave stage. It's normal. Nobody suspected anything. Nobody. Including crew at the broadcaster were like 'It was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Reply to Blur Frontman

The musician also hit back at the Blur singer, who labeled the protest "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and characterized him as "marching in sport gear."

Albarn's comment was "letdown" and "showed no self-awareness," Vylan remarked.

"I need to say that labeling it as a 'spectacular misfire' suggests that in some way the views of the duo or our position on Palestine's freedom is unplanned," he explained.

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

Meaning Behind the Chant

After questioned what he intended by the chant "Death to the IDF," Vylan said the chant itself was "insignificant."

"What is important is the conditions that exist to permit that protest to even occur on that stage. And I mean, the conditions that are present in Palestine. In which the Palestinian population are being slain at an disturbing rate. Who cares about the chant?" he stated.

"The phrase rhymes," he added: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have caught on, right? … We are there to perform. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Perfect chant."

Rejection of Antisemitism Allegations

Vylan also denied claims from the Community Security Trust, a monitoring and Jewish community safety organisation, that their set contributed to a spike in anti-Jewish events reported two days.

"I don't think I have created an unsafe atmosphere for the Jewish community. Suppose there were large numbers of people going out and going like 'We made me do this'. I could go, oh, I've had a negative impact here," he said.

Comparison with Other Bands

When Vylan said he felt the duo had been targeted more severely than others for speaking about the conflict, the host referenced the Irish group another band, who have likewise encountered criticism for their approach to pro-Palestinian advocacy.

"That's a notable point," he said, "because as with all things race comes to play a factor in that we are an more convenient target, seriously, than others are because we are already the enemy."