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The lead singer of Bob Vylan has stated he is "without regret" about his "anti-IDF chant" performance at Glastonbury and asserted he would "do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Chant and Political Responses

This outspoken music pair ignited widespread controversy when they initiated audience calls of "down with the IDF," pointing to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June performance. This slogan was condemned by Glastonbury and Britain's leader Keir Starmer, who described it as "appalling hate speech."

Following the event, Bob Vylan was released by its representation United Talent Agency, and the American government revoked the artists' visas, forcing the duo to call off a planned US and Canada tour.

Conversation with the Podcaster

In his initial public discussion after the Glastonbury show, the musician, whose birth name is Pascal Foster, conversed on a popular podcast. After asked if he would do it all again, he responded:

"Absolutely. Like suppose I was to perform at Glastonbury again tomorrow, definitely I would do it again. I'm without regret of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

He added that the criticism the band faced was "small compared to what individuals in Palestine are going through."

On the Chant's Importance

"I don't want to exaggerate the importance of the slogan," he continued. "It isn't what I'm attempting to do, but if I have the Palestinian people's support, these are the people that I'm advocating for, these are the individuals that I'm speaking up for, then what is there to regret? Well, because I've upset some rightwing official or some conservative news outlet?"

Surprising Reaction and Broadcaster Comments

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

Yet, the corporation's executive complaints unit later found that the network's airing of the performance violated content guidelines in regard to offense and offence.

Vylan informed the host there was no indication of a dispute in the moment: "It wasn't like we came off stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It felt normal. We leave stage. It was normal. Nobody thought anything. Not a soul. Even staff at the BBC were like 'It was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Response to Damon Albarn

Vylan also hit back at the Blur singer, who labeled the chant "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and described him as "goose-stepping in tennis gear."

His reaction was "letdown" and "lacked self-awareness," Vylan said.

"I just want to say that categorising it as a 'huge mistake' implies that somehow the views of the band or our stance on Palestine's freedom is not thought out," he stated.

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

Meaning Behind the Chant

When questioned what he meant by the phrase "Death to the IDF," Vylan said the chant itself was "unimportant."

"The key issue is the conditions that persist to allow that protest to even occur on that platform. And I mean, the conditions that are present in the region. Where the Palestinian people are being slain at an alarming rate. Who cares about the slogan?" he stated.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he added: "Stop the IDF' does not rhyme, wouldn't have caught on, would it? … We are there to entertain. We are there to sing songs. I am a songwriter. 'The chant' rhymes. Perfect slogan."

Denial of Antisemitism Claims

Vylan also denied claims from the Community Security Trust, a watchdog and Jewish community safety group, that their performance led to a rise in anti-Jewish events reported later.

"I believe I have created an hostile atmosphere for the Jewish community. If there were large numbers of individuals 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 Different Bands

As Vylan said he felt the band had been criticised more severely than others for voicing views about the conflict, Theroux referenced the Ireland-based band Kneecap, who have also encountered criticism for their approach to pro-Palestinian messaging.

"That's a notable point," Vylan said, "because as with all things ethnicity becomes a part in that we are an easier villain, no pun intended, than they are because we are inherently the enemy."