British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan finds themselves yet again in a state of post-concert controversy after their live performance in Amsterdam’s Paradiso on September 13. Following pointed remarks about the late Charlie Kirk, the venue set to host them in Tilburg, 013, has announced that it will no longer be hosting the band as they proceed on their European tour.
The planned venue has declared this comes as a direct result of comments made by the band’s frontman, Bobby Vylan, in regards to the recent death of right-wing American activist, Charlie Kirk. During their Paradiso performance, Bobby Vylan referred to Charlie Kirk – shot and killed three days prior in Utah – as “an absolute piece of s*** of a human being”, adding “The pronouns was/were. ‘Cause if you chat s*** you will get banged. Rest in piss, Charlie Kirk”. Within the preceding 48 hours, Tilburg’s 013 removed Bob Vylan from their upcoming events schedule.
The venue itself, in tone with its renowned reputation in preserving and replenishing the local cultural climate, acknowledge that punk and political activism exist as a test of boundaries. However, in this case, Bob Vylan has gone ‘too far’ in the eyes of 013, ultimately prompting the venue to believe Bob Vylan no longer encompasses the scope of what the venue seeks to offer as a musical platform.
Boby Vylan, for their involvement, has published a responding video statement on X, specifically rejecting the fact that their concert was labelled as a ‘celebration’ of Charlie Kirk’s death. In the video, Bobby Vylan makes an effort to differentiate his criticism of a public figure with a confused message for applauding violence, stating, “At no point was Charlie Kirk’s death celebrated… If it was, go find me a quote… you’re not gonna find it”.
This is not the first time the band has suffered direct cancellations following controversial comments. Earlier this year, Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance and the chants of ‘Death to the IDF’ prompted a police investigation, and their US visas were revoked.
Bob Vylan have built their musical reputation upon their stance as fiercely independent artists, adamant on releasing music free of major-label control in an attempt to speak directly to fans. However, in a run of cancellation and controversy, the Tilburg’s cancellation could demand further venue losses.
For venues and promoters, the band is increasingly associating itself with a career built on friction. Smaller venues like Tilburg’s 013 demonstrate the risk that middle-ground inhabitants occupy, caught between promoting musical activism and safeguarding their patrons, audience, and reputation.
