Who Are Bob Vylan? 10 Powerful Photos That Show How the Punk Duo Shocked Glastonbury 2025

A chant shouted on stage at Glastonbury 2025 — 'Death to the IDF' — has propelled Bob Vylan to the forefront of national debate. But who are these men behind the mic, and why is their message reverberating throughout Britain's music, media and political spheres?

Bob Vylan are a London-based punk-rap duo consisting of Bobby Vylan (real name Bobby Hurd), the group's vocalist and lyricist, and drummer Bobbie Vylan. Known for their no-holds-barred political lyrics and DIY ethos, the pair blend punk, grime and hip-hop to deliver powerful messages about anti-racism, class struggle and anti-establishment resistance.

Their live performances are characterised as visceral and uncompromising. While controversy is nothing new for them, Glastonbury 2025 marks a turning point in how the public perceives their activism and artistry.

From Underground Venues to Festival Main Stages

Bob Vylan debuted in 2017 as a self-produced, self-managed act. Without a major label, the two grew their fan base organically, selling out gigs, distributing recordings through independent channels, and directly connecting with followers on social issues.

Their 2020 breakout track, We Live Here, is a blistering condemnation of racism in Britain, tackling issues such as police violence, gentrification and generational trauma. The song went viral, earning them the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act in 2022.

Albums like Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life continue the duo's daring commentary on themes such as poverty, NHS cuts, colonialism, and anti-Blackness within British institutions. The album debuted in the UK Top 20 and was praised by outlets including NME and The Guardian for its raw delivery and lyrical complexity.

'We make music for people who feel abandoned,' Bobby told The Independent in a 2022 interview. 'We're not trying to be polished. We're trying to be truthful.'

A Band Built on Defiance

Unlike many other artists in the industry, Bob Vylan has pursued a fiercely independent career. The pair has avoided the traditional music business structure by producing their own recordings and shipping their own merchandise, instead building a community rooted in rebellion and authenticity.

Their message resonates strongly with Gen Z audiences and working-class teenagers, who see their lyrics as a powerful reflection of their dissatisfaction with institutional racism, rising inequality, and political passivity.

However, the duo skillfully balances activism and provocation. Their refusal to enter the United States earlier in 2025, which they claimed was due to their political beliefs, further reinforced their stance against Western imperialism and military aggression.

The Glastonbury Flashpoint

Bob Vylan's set at Glastonbury 2025 was always going to be intense, but when a member of the pair was heard shouting 'Death to the IDF' - a reference to the Israeli Defence Forces - the backlash was immediate.

Though the group did not repeat the slogan during the program, and their act featured chants of 'Free Palestine,' the BBC received criticism for airing the segment live. The business eventually admitted that the clip was 'unacceptable' and removed it from the iPlayer platform.

The event has raised broader concerns about censorship, protest, and the duties of musicians who perform on state-funded platforms. While some criticised the pair for encouraging hatred, others defended their right to protest as part of a long history of politically involved punk music.

Punk Revival or Public Menace?

For supporters, Bob Vylan represents the raw, unapologetic revival of British punk, a genre historically associated with protest and disruption. Detractors argue that they are crossing the line between activism and provocation.

In any case, one thing is certain: Bob Vylan is no longer just a cult band with an underground fan base. Their name is now at the forefront of national media, sparking debates that many would rather avoid.

As enquiries into their Glastonbury performance and the BBC's editorial oversight continue, the duo's presence in the British cultural landscape remains both exciting and divisive.