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Punk duo frontman Bobby Vylan has expressed he is "without regret" about his "death, death to the IDF" act at the festival and declared he would "repeat it tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

Controversial Chant and Political Reactions

The outspoken music pair ignited significant controversy when they initiated audience chants of "death, death to the IDF," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, during their June set. This chant was condemned by festival organizers and UK Prime Minister the prime minister, who described it as "appalling hate speech."

After the event, Bob Vylan was released by its agency United Talent Agency, and the US state department cancelled the artists' visas, compelling the duo to call off a scheduled North American tour.

Conversation with the Podcaster

During his first public discussion since the festival show, the musician, using his real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, spoke on a popular podcast. After asked if he would repeat his actions, he replied:

"Absolutely. For instance what if I was to go on the festival again tomorrow, definitely I would repeat it. I'm without regret of it. I'd do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays."

The artist added that the backlash the band faced was "minimal compared to what people in Gaza are going through."

On the Protest's Importance

"I aim not to overstate the importance of the chant," he continued. "That's not what I'm attempting to do, but if I have the Palestinian people's support, they're the people that I'm advocating for, these are the people that I'm being vocal for, then what is there to regret? Oh, because I've angered some conservative politician or some conservative media?"

Surprising Response and Broadcaster Comments

The musician claimed he was taken aback by the outcry sparked by the chant, and stated that staff of the broadcaster employees at the event told him on the day that the performance was "excellent."

Yet, the corporation's ECU subsequently determined that the BBC's broadcast of the show violated editorial standards in regard to harm and offence.

Vylan informed Theroux there was no indication of a controversy in the moment: "It didn't feel like we left stage, and everyone was like [shocked]. It's just normal. We leave stage. It was normal. Nobody suspected anything. Not a soul. Even crew at the BBC were like 'It was fantastic! We enjoyed that!'"

Reply to Blur Frontman

The musician also hit back at Damon Albarn, who labeled the chant "a major misstep I've seen in my life" and described him as "goose-stepping in tennis gear."

His comment was "disappointing" and "showed no self-awareness," he said.

"I need to say that labeling it as a 'spectacular misfire' suggests that in some way the politics of the duo or our position on Palestinian liberation is unplanned," he explained.

"I take great issue with the term 'marching' being used because it's only used around Nazi Germany," he continued. "Precisely. And for him to use that language, I think is offensive. I think his answer was appalling."

Intent Behind the Chant

When questioned what he intended by the chant "Down with the IDF," the artist clarified the slogan itself was "insignificant."

"What is important is the situation that persist to allow that chant to even take place on that platform. And I mean, the conditions that are present in Palestine. Where the Palestinian people are being slain at an disturbing rate. What matters about the chant?" he stated.

"Death to the IDF rhymes," he added: "'End, End the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn't have caught on, would it? … We are there to perform. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. 'The chant' rhymes. Perfect slogan."

Rejection of Hate Speech Allegations

Vylan also rejected assertions from the CST, a monitoring and Jewish safety group, that their performance contributed to a rise in anti-Jewish events reported later.

"I don't think I have caused an hostile environment for the Jewish people. If there were many individuals of people acting and going like 'Bob Vylan made me do this'. I could go, oh, I've had a bad impact here," he said.

Contrast with Different Artists

When Vylan said he thought the duo had been targeted more heavily than different artists for voicing views about the conflict, Theroux brought up the Irish group Kneecap, who have also faced backlash for their method to pro-Palestine advocacy.

"That's a notable point," he responded, "since as with all things race comes to play a factor in that we are an easier villain, no pun intended, than others are because we are already the enemy."