Bob Vylan Chants “Free Palestine” During Greece Concert

Athens (Quds News Network)- British rap-punk group Bob Vylan expressed their pro-Palestine stance during a concert in Athens on Friday, chanting “Free Palestine” in their first performance since Glastonbury, where their “death to the IDF” chant went viral.

On stage in Athens, frontman Bobby Vylan told the crowd, “We’re not generally hateful people. But we do hate war, and we do hate injustice… Free Palestine each and single every time.”

This was their first performance since lead vocalist Bobby Vylan sparked backlash by chanting “Death to the IDF” during their Saturday set on the West Holts Stage. During the show, he also shouted “Free, free Palestine” and criticized the UK media’s coverage of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Meanwhile, a sea of supporters chanted along and waved Palestinian flags. Behind the stage, a large screen displayed the message: “The United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict.’”
Video clips from the performance went viral and were praised by people on social media.

In one, Bobby Vylan addresses the crowd: “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF.”

The backlash led to cancelled appearances in France and Germany, removal from Radar Festival in the UK, revoked US visas, and separation from their agents, United Talent Agency.

Despite mounting pressure, Bob Vylan have maintained their stance, rejecting claims of antisemitism. “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,” they said, asserting their message is against militarised violence, not identity.

Bob Vylan performed in Athens.

"We're not generally hateful people. But we do hate war, and we do hate injustice….Free Palestine each and single every time." pic.twitter.com/kibe4bagmw

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) July 5, 2025

Many praised the chant as a form of political protest against Israeli military crimes in Gaza. The Israeli army has killed over 56,000 people most of whom are children and women. It also continues to impose a siege on over two million people in Gaza, resulting in a severe famine that killed over 60 babies. The Israeli army has been documented demolishing houses for no reason and kidnapping and torturing dozens of civilian Palestinians, including children.

In response to the music festival cancellations, the band reiterated their position, telling followers: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting.”