Chuck D in contrast Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury controversy to Public Enemy’s 1989 disaster whereas defending their proper to protest by music.

Chuck D stood firmly behind UK punk-rap duo Bob Vylan after their Glastonbury efficiency ignited political backlash and drew comparisons to Public Enemy’s personal turbulent previous with censorship and controversy.

During a reside set at Glastonbury 2025, Bob Vylan led chants of “Death to the IDF” and “Free, free Palestine” — remarks that aired on the BBC and triggered swift condemnation from British politicians, competition organizers and the broadcaster itself.

The BBC later apologized for the published, labeling the chants “offensive and deplorable,” and pledged to implement stricter editorial controls.

The fallout was rapid. UTA dropped the band, a number of festivals eliminated them from their lineups and their U.S. visas have been revoked, canceling their North American tour.

British police additionally launched a legal investigation into the efficiency, analyzing whether or not any legal guidelines had been damaged.

Chuck D isn’t any stranger to controversy, and the Bob Vylan incident echoed his expertise throughout Public Enemy’s 1989 disaster.

“When people say death to a country, they’re not saying death to a people,” he informed The Independent. “They’re saying death to imperialism, death to colonialism. Bob Vylan ain’t got no tanks. They’re using words to say something must end. You can’t really kill nobody with a guitar or a microphone, but you could kill somebody with a drone and a f***ing tank.”

That assertion mirrors the storm Public Enemy confronted when group member Professor Griff made anti-Semitic remarks to The Washington Post, saying Jews have been accountable for the “majority of wickedness that goes on across the globe” and making provocative statements about Israel and Palestine.

The backlash was extreme.

Chuck D initially defended Griff, calling the feedback out of context, however mounting strain from the general public and trade insiders led him to dismiss Griff from the group.

Bob Vylan, for his or her half, defended their Glastonbury set, saying they oppose all violence and are being punished for talking out on Gaza.

They described the backlash as a distraction from the humanitarian disaster. Chuck D concluded his remarks by emphasizing the significance of resistance by peaceable means: “We have to be able to fight for peace and love by any means necessary.”

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