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The frontman Bobby Vylan has stated he is "without regret" about his "anti-IDF chant" performance at Glastonbury and declared he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Disputed Chant and Official Reactions

This outspoken music pair ignited significant controversy when they initiated audience chants of "down with the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June set. This chant was censured by festival organizers and Britain's leader Keir Starmer, who labeled it as "appalling hate speech."

After the event, Bob Vylan was released by its representation United Talent Agency, and the US government revoked the members' travel documents, compelling the duo to cancel a planned North American concert series.

Conversation with Louis Theroux

In his first interview after the Glastonbury performance, Vylan, using his real name is Pascal Foster, conversed on The Louis Theroux Podcast. After asked if he would do it all again, he replied:

"Oh yeah. For instance 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 noted that the backlash the band encountered was "small compared to what individuals in Gaza are experiencing."

On the Chant's Significance

"I don't want to overstate the significance of the slogan," he elaborated. "That's not what I'm trying to do, but since I have the Palestinian people's backing, they're the people that I'm doing it 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 media?"

Surprising Response and Broadcaster Comments

This artist claimed he was taken aback by the uproar triggered by the chant, and stated that staff of the broadcaster staff at the event told him on the day that the set was "fantastic."

Yet, the corporation's executive complaints unit subsequently determined that the BBC's broadcast of the show violated editorial standards in relation to offense and hurt.

Vylan told Theroux there was no indication of a controversy 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. No one thought anything. Not a soul. Including staff at the broadcaster were like 'It was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Response to Blur Frontman

The musician also hit back at the Blur singer, who called the protest "a major misstep I've witnessed in my life" and characterized him as "goose-stepping in tennis gear."

His comment was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," he said.

"I just want to say that labeling it as a 'huge mistake' suggests that in some way the politics of the duo or our stance on Palestinian liberation is not thought out," he explained.

"I strongly object with the phrase 'marching' being used because it's typically associated around the Nazis," he added. "That's it. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his answer was disgusting."

Intent Behind the Chant

When asked what he meant by the chant "Down with the IDF," Vylan said the slogan itself was "insignificant."

"What is important is the conditions that exist to allow that chant to even take place on that stage. And I mean, the circumstances that exist in Palestine. Where the local population are being slain at an alarming rate. Who cares about the slogan?" he said.

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

Rejection of Hate Speech Allegations

The musician also rejected assertions from the CST, a monitoring and Jewish community safety group, that their performance led to a spike in anti-Jewish incidents recorded two days.

"I believe I have caused an hostile atmosphere for the Jewish people. Suppose there were many individuals of individuals going out and going like 'We made me do this'. I could go, oof, I've had a negative impact here," he said.

Contrast with Other Bands

When Vylan said he felt the duo had been targeted more severely than different artists for voicing views about the conflict, the host referenced the Irish band another band, who have likewise encountered criticism for their method to pro-Palestine advocacy.

"That's an interesting one," he said, "because as with everything race becomes a factor in that we are an easier target, no pun intended, than they are because we are inherently the opponent."