Bob Vylan postpone gigs over 'political pressure'

Bob Vylan claimed "political pressure" was behind the postponements

Punk-rock duo Bob Vylan have postponed two UK gigs, blaming "political pressure".

The band have been making headlines since leading chants of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" at Glastonbury Festival in June which was livestreamed by the BBC.

Bob Vylan's Manchester gig on 5 November, part of their We Won't Go Quietly UK tour, has been changed to 5 February next year, following calls by Jewish leaders and MPs for it to be cancelled.

They have also postponed their gig in Leeds, originally planned for 4 November and rescheduled it for 7 February.

In a post shared on Instagram the group said: "Due to political pressure from the likes of Bridget Phillipson and groups in the north-west of England, we have had to reschedule our Leeds and Manchester shows.

"All tickets remain valid and all other shows are continuing as planned. Bristol sold out, last few tickets left for London. See you soon. Love ya."

Ahead of the gig at Manchester Academy, which is on the University of Manchester campus, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said universities had the powers to "take action to prevent harassment and intimidation".

'No regrets'

It comes after the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region called for the show to be cancelled and said the lack of response from the concert venue following the 2 October synagogue attack in the city was "utterly unforgiveable".

The JRC, last month, demanded "urgent action" regarding the Bob Vylan performance and said it would cause "significant concern" in the community.

The group were dropped from several festivals and performances over the summer including Radar festival at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, a show at a German music venue and their US tour after their visas were revoked.

Earlier this week, Bob Vylan frontman, Bobby Vylan, said on the Louis Theroux Podcast that he was "not regretful" of the Glastonbury chant and would "do it again tomorrow".

BBC director-general Tim Davie previously said the corporation's decision to broadcast Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Festival set live was "a very significant mistake".