Key Points
- Five arrests occurred during protests outside the Bobby Vylan gig at O2 Forum Kentish Town in North London.
- Protests involved groups Stop The Hate and Palestine Coalition with opposing views.
- Arrests included charges related to chants against the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), common assault, and breaches of Public Order Act conditions.
- Controversy surrounds Bob Vylan’s frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster for chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” at Glastonbury Festival.
- Avon and Somerset Police investigated the Glastonbury incident; Robinson-Foster attended an interview.
- Metropolitan Police required protest groups to remain in designated areas and end by 9.30pm.
- Police maintained a presence throughout the gig, enforcing order.
- Bob Vylan previously had the Metropolitan Police take no further action after comments at a May performance at Alexandra Palace.
- Following the Glastonbury incident, Bob Vylan faced festival cancellations, tour visa revocations, and UK gig postponements due to political pressure.
- British Airways paused Louis Theroux podcast sponsorship after an interview with Robinson-Foster.
- Support for the duo persists; their album Humble As The Sun re-entered the charts.
What Happened at the Bobby Vylan Gig in North London?
On Tuesday night, the punk duo Bobby Vylan performed at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, located in North London, amid significant public and police attention. As reported by Anna Mitchell of The Guardian, five people were arrested during two rival protests held outside the venue involving Stop The Hate and the Palestine Coalition. The Metropolitan Police stated that arrests were connected to chants regarding the IDF, an alleged common assault, and breaches of public order conditions. This event unfolded with strong emotions and confrontation in the area.
Why Did Protests Erupt in North London?
The protests were catalysed by the controversial political statements of Bob Vylan’s frontman, Pascal Robinson-Foster. According to Tom Harris of BBC News, the punk band drew scrutiny after Robinson-Foster led the crowd in chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” during a Glastonbury Festival set live-streamed by the BBC. This led to police investigations and polarised views being strongly expressed by groups such as Stop The Hate and Palestine Coalition at the Kentish Town gig. Protesters were instructed to stay in specific zones: Stop The Hate in Fortress Walk (blue area), Palestine Coalition in Highgate Road (orange area), with a 9.30pm protest curfew imposed by police.
How Did the Police Manage Protests at the North London Venue?
As reported by Emily Carter of The Independent, the Metropolitan Police maintained strict control over the protests to ensure public safety and prevent disorder. Officers arrested five people related to the demonstrations—one from the pro-Palestine protest for chanting about the IDF, one from Stop The Hate for common assault, and three others for breaches of Public Order Act rules. Police also continued monitoring until the concert ended, demonstrating their close oversight during the tense event.
Have There Been Previous Police Investigations Regarding Bobby Vylan?
Caroline Davies of The Independent noted that this was not the first police involvement with Bobby Vylan. After a May performance at Alexandra Palace in London, the Metropolitan Police opted to take no further action following an inquiry into remarks by Robinson-Foster. However, Avon and Somerset Police are presently investigating the Glastonbury chant. Robinson-Foster attended an official police interview regarding this matter shortly before the Kentish Town performance. These events underscore ongoing legal scrutiny linked to the band’s politically charged performances.
What Has Been the Career Impact on Bob Vylan in North London and Beyond?
Following the Glastonbury controversy, Bob Vylan faced cancellations and restrictions on their music career, as reported by David Roberts of Metro. They were dropped from Radar festival, German venue bookings, and a US tour due to visa cancellations. British Airways also paused their sponsorship of the Louis Theroux podcast after Robinson-Foster’s interview defending the controversial chant. Moreover, political pressure led to the postponement of UK gigs, including a Manchester show, following calls from Jewish leaders and MPs to cancel the events. Despite this, the punk duo’s album Humble As The Sun successfully re-entered the UK charts, supported by a loyal fan base.
What Was the Local Reaction in North London to the Gig and Protests?
According to The Jewish Chronicle, ahead of the Kentish Town show, posters opposing “Jew hate” and the gig appeared in the local area, reflecting community tensions. Messages such as “NO2 Jew hate” and others branding the venue a “Zionist-free zone” were plastered across walls and street furniture. These developments highlight the broader social and political sensitivity surrounding the concert in North London.
