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The frontman Bobby Vylan has stated he is "not regretful" about his "death, death to the IDF" performance at the festival and declared he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Chant and Political Responses

The vocal music duo sparked widespread controversy when they led audience calls of "down with the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June set. This slogan was condemned by Glastonbury and Britain's leader Keir Starmer, who labeled it as "shocking hate speech."

Following the event, the band was dropped by its agency United Talent Agency, and the American state department cancelled the members' travel documents, compelling the duo to call off a planned US and Canada tour.

Interview with the Podcaster

In his first interview after the festival performance, Vylan, whose birth name is Pascal Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. When asked if he would repeat his actions, he responded:

"Absolutely. For instance suppose I was to go on Glastonbury again tomorrow, definitely I would repeat it. I'm without regret of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

He added that the criticism the duo faced was "minimal compared to what individuals in Gaza are experiencing."

Regarding the Chant's Importance

"I aim not to overstate the importance of the slogan," he continued. "It isn't what I'm trying to do, but since I have the Palestinian people's support, they're the individuals that I'm advocating for, these are the individuals that I'm speaking up for, then what is there to feel sorry about? Oh, because I've upset some conservative official or some rightwing media?"

Surprising Reaction and Broadcaster Feedback

This musician claimed he was taken aback by the uproar sparked by the exclamation, and stated that staff of BBC employees at Glastonbury told him on the day that the performance was "fantastic."

However, the corporation's executive complaints unit later found that the BBC's broadcast of the show violated content standards in relation to harm and hurt.

He informed the host there was no sign of a controversy in the moment: "It didn't feel like we left stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It felt normal. We leave stage. It was normal. No one suspected anything. Not a soul. Even staff at the BBC were like 'It was fantastic! We loved that!'"

Response to Blur Frontman

Vylan also responded at Damon Albarn, who called the protest "one of the most spectacular misfires I've seen in my life" and described him as "marching in sport gear."

His reaction was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," Vylan said.

"I just want to say that categorising it as a 'spectacular misfire' suggests that in some way the politics of the band or our position on Palestine's freedom is unplanned," he explained.

"I take great issue with the term 'goose-stepping' being used because it's only used around the Nazis," he added. "Precisely. And for him to use that language, I think is disgusting. I think his response was appalling."

Intent Behind the Slogan

When questioned what he intended by the chant "Death to the IDF," Vylan clarified the chant itself was "unimportant."

"What is important is the situation that persist to permit that chant to even occur on that platform. And I mean, the conditions that are present in Palestine. In which the local population are being killed at an alarming rate. What matters about the slogan?" he said.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he added: "'End, End the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn't have caught on, right? … We are there to perform. We are there to sing songs. I am a lyricist. 'Death, Death to IDF' rhymes. Ideal chant."

Rejection of Hate Speech Claims

The musician also denied claims from the CST, a watchdog and Jewish safety group, that their performance contributed to a rise in anti-Jewish events recorded later.

"I believe I have caused an unsafe atmosphere for the Jewish people. Suppose there were large numbers of individuals acting and saying 'We made me do this'. I might go, oof, I've had a negative impact here," he commented.

Comparison with Other Artists

As he said he felt the duo had been criticised more severely than different artists for speaking about the conflict, Theroux referenced the Ireland-based group another band, who have likewise faced backlash for their method to pro-Palestine messaging.

"That's a notable point," Vylan said, "since as with all things race becomes a factor in that we are an easier villain, seriously, than others are because we are already the enemy."