British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan has sparked controversy after frontman Bobby Vylan appeared to mock the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a live performance in Amsterdam on 13 September 2025. During a packed show at Club Paradiso, Bobby Vylan taunted the audience, dedicating a song to Kirk, calling him an “absolute piece of s***,” and even made a gun gesture while joking about snipers in the room. This follows the duo’s earlier backlash for chanting “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury, which led to visa issues for their US tour. The provocative performance has reignited debates on free speech, artistic expression, and political violence.
Bob Vylan’s controversial performances and public backlash
At their recent Amsterdam concert, the British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan, which consists of vocalist-guitarist Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) and drummer Bobbie Vylan (real name Wade Laurence George), sparked outrage when frontman Bobby Vylan appeared to mock Charlie Kirk’s assassination. He made gun gestures and joked about snipers in the room while addressing the audience. The comments were widely shared on social media, generating international criticism.This incident follows their earlier controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival, where the duo chanted “Death to the IDF,” drawing backlash from Jewish groups, political leaders, and media outlets. Critics accused Bob Vylan of glorifying violence and promoting hate speech, while supporters defended their provocative, anti-establishment stance. The reason Bob Vylan have the same stage names (Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan), as that the duo maintains privacy and protects their real identities in what they describe as a surveillance state, while emphasizing their collaborative nature as a duo.
Bob Vylan: The controversial British punk-rap duo
Bob Vylan is an English punk-rap duo formed in 2017, consisting of vocalist-guitarist Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) and drummer Bobbie Vylan (real name Wade Laurence George). Hailing from London and Ipswich, the duo blends punk, hip hop, grime, reggae, and hardcore. They are known for politically charged lyrics addressing racism, inequality, police brutality, homophobia, toxic masculinity, and capitalism.Their raw performances and provocative messages have made them one of the most talked-about acts in the UK punk and grime scene. However, they have also faced sharp criticism for their controversial acts, with critics arguing that their stage antics and outspoken lyrics sometimes cross the line into glorifying violence, promoting hate speech, and spreading divisive political messages. Supporters, in contrast, defend the duo’s work as bold, socially conscious, and anti-establishment commentary.Despite controversies, Bob Vylan has a strong track record in the music industry. Their albums—including We Live Here (2020), Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life (2022), and Humble as the Sun (2024)—have won awards such as Kerrang! Best Album and MOBO Best Alternative Act. Their lyrics consistently critique social injustice and the British establishment, earning them a reputation as influential voices in contemporary UK punk and grime.
Artistic freedom vs. accountability
Venues have had mixed responses to Bob Vylan’s performances. While Club Paradiso initially defended their right to artistic expression, a later show in Tilburg was cancelled after authorities cited the performer’s remarks as going too far. The incident raises broader questions about the boundaries between free speech, political commentary, and incitement, especially in live performances. Video clips and social media discussions continue to circulate, keeping the controversy in public debate.
