US Tour for British Punk Rap Duo in Jeopardy

The US tour for the British punk rap duo appears uncertain after the US State Department revoked their band member’s visa due to remarks made during a recent performance.

Bob Villan, consisting of members Bobby Billan and drummer Bobby Billan, performed at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, last Saturday. During their set, frontman Bobby Bilan declared support for the Palestinian cause while the Palestinian flag waved behind them. He made a controversial statement wishing “death” upon members of the Israeli Defence Force.

“I said what I said,” Bilan asserted during the performance.

He further encouraged the audience, who chanted “death, death to IDF,” saying, “Hell yeah. From the river Palestine must be – Insula – it will be free!”

The festival’s response was swift. Emily Eavis, one of the organizers, later shared her disapproval on social media. She criticized the lyrics and reminded festival attendees that Glastonbury does not tolerate anti-Semitism or incitement to violence.

The BBC, which streamed the performance live, expressed regret for not cutting the stream sooner, stating it respects freedom of expression but condemns violence. The network outright labeled the sentiments voiced by Bobby Bilan as unacceptable.

In response to the performance, the US State Department acted quickly, canceling visas for both Bobby and Bobby Villan. Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the visa revocation on social media, emphasizing that the US welcomes neither hate nor violence.

Bob Villan had planned a North American tour, starting with 16 shows in Spokane, Washington, this October. The visa cancellation complicates these arrangements significantly.

Despite the controversy, Bobby Bilan appeared unfazed, not shying away from the support and criticism he has received in the aftermath. He took to Instagram to encourage actions like street demonstrations, framing it as essential for inspiring future generations to engage in political activism.

His post included a call to action, asserting the importance of raising voices for change without reservation. He ended his remarks with the now-familiar refrain: “I said what I said.”

In a follow-up message, Bilan mentioned enjoying vegan ice cream amid the ongoing debates, claiming, “I just had late-night (vegan) ice cream while the Zionists were crying socially.”

The impact of these events on their tour remains uncertain as the situation continues to unfold.