Bob Vylan postpone UK gigs amid political pressure following Glastonbury controversy

Punk duo Bob Vylan have postponed their upcoming Leeds and Manchester gigs due to political pressure, particularly citing influence from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and groups in Northwest England. The Manchester show, initially scheduled for November 5th, has been rescheduled to February 5, 2026, while the Leeds gig is now set for February 7, 2026. These cancellations follow widespread backlash over their chant "death, death to the IDF" at Glastonbury Festival in June, which was broadcast live by the BBC and led to calls from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and various MPs for cancellations, citing community concerns and recent antisemitic tensions. Bob Vylan's frontman Bobby Vylan has publicly stood by the chant, expressing no regret and stating he would repeat it if given the chance. Despite the controversy, their Bristol gig remains sold out and will proceed as planned. The band faced earlier cancellations at festivals and had their US visas revoked, reflecting the broad impact of the political and social backlash surrounding their performances.