UK punk rap duo Bob Vylan drew widespread condemnation after frontman Bobby Vylan appeared to celebrate the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a sold-out show in Amsterdam, prompting the cancellation of their next scheduled concert in the Netherlands.
The incident occurred Saturday at Club Paradiso, where Pascal Robinson-Foster, who performs as Bobby Vylan, told the crowd, “I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of sh-t,” and later said, “Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of sh-t,” according to video and reports of the performance. He asked the audience, “are there any snipers in the room,” before continuing with the remarks. Police maintained a presence outside the venue amid heightened security.
After the backlash, Bobby Vylan posted an Instagram video saying, “At no point during yesterday’s show was Charlie Kirk’s death celebrated,” while acknowledging he had called Kirk a “piece of sh-t.” “If it was, go find me a quote, go find me something that proves we were celebrating his death. You’re not going to find it because it didn’t happen,” he said in the statement. The duo’s next gig, scheduled for Tuesday at the 013 venue in Tilburg, was canceled following the controversy.
Club Paradiso issued a statement defending artistic expression, saying the venue “believes in the power of artistic freedom” and noting that punk has historically amplified “anger, discontent, and injustice without filter,” according to Rolling Stone. The performance took place beneath a Palestinian flag displayed onstage.
The episode escalates scrutiny of Bob Vylan, who have been at the center of controversy since their Glastonbury set in June. During that performance, the pair led chants including “Free, free Palestine” and calls that referenced the Israeli military, which the BBC said it “deeply regrets” airing and later apologized for. The BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, told a parliamentary committee that the Glastonbury performance was “antisemitic” and “deeply disturbing.” Government officials have also weighed in: a spokesperson for Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she “strongly” condemned the “threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.”
The Amsterdam comments came days after Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was shot in the neck on Sept. 10 and later died; the suspected gunman, identified by authorities as Tyler Robinson, was arrested on Sept. 12 after a 33-hour manhunt. The circumstances of the killing have prompted national attention and debate.
Legal and industry responses to the Amsterdam remarks were unfolding. Organizers of the canceled Tilburg show said the decision followed the controversy; venue officials have not indicated whether refunds or rescheduling are planned. Bob Vylan remain under investigation in connection with earlier incidents, including the Glastonbury performance, and the recent Amsterdam appearance is likely to increase scrutiny from venues, broadcasters and officials.
Supporters and critics reacted across social media and in press coverage, with some defending the duo’s right to provocative expression and others condemning the apparent praise of violence. Bob Vylan’s public statements have so far emphasized that they did not celebrate Kirk’s death, while reiterating harsh criticism of the slain activist.
The band’s management and representatives for Club Paradiso did not immediately provide further comment beyond their initial statements. Authorities in the Netherlands have not announced any criminal investigation tied specifically to the Amsterdam remarks.
