Police Close Investigation Into Concert Chants
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will take no further action against punk artist Bob Vylan, following an investigation into alleged chants made during a London performance. The probe was launched after footage emerged from a concert at Alexandra Palace in May, where the singer, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, was alleged to have made statements about the Israel Defence Forces.
Advice from Prosecutors Halts Probe
An official spokesperson for the Met Police stated that the investigation was initiated on Wednesday 2 July, after officers became aware of the footage apparently filmed on 28 May. The performance was a support act for Iggy Pop at the north London venue.
The force sought early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). After reviewing a number of potential offences, the CPS determined that based on the available information and material, there would likely be insufficient evidence to proceed with a case.
Consequently, officers decided that no further action will be taken.
Ongoing Concerns and a Separate Investigation
In their statement, the police acknowledged the significant concerns the footage caused, particularly within London's Jewish communities. They noted that the incident emerged during a period of concerning rise in antisemitic hate crime.
This London investigation follows a separate incident involving the band. Footage from the Glastonbury Festival in June, which was live-streamed by the BBC, also allegedly showed Mr Robinson-Foster leading a chant of 'death, death to the IDF'. This led to an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police.
A man in his 30s, understood to be Mr Robinson-Foster, voluntarily attended an interview with that force on Monday. He was not arrested, but that investigation remains ongoing. Following the Glastonbury appearance, the group was dropped from a number of other festival line-ups.
