Bob Vylan Face Backlash After Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Death Onstage
Controversial UK rap duo Bob Vylan have once again landed in hot water after making explosive comments about the death of American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Performing at Amsterdam’s Paradiso venue on Saturday (Sept. 13), frontman Bobby Vylan — real name Pascal Robinson-Foster — stunned the packed crowd when he dedicated a song to Kirk, who was shot and killed just days earlier in Utah. With a Palestinian flag draped onstage, Bobby told the audience:
“I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of s— of a human being. The pronouns was/were. Because if you talk s—, you will get banged. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk, you piece of s—.”
The remarks come only months after the pair — Bobby and Bobbie Vylan — caused outrage at Glastonbury Festival by chanting “Death to the IDF.” That outburst led to widespread condemnation, even from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called their language “appalling hate speech.”
The fallout was swift: the band was dropped from multiple festival lineups, their US tour was canceled, and their management agency, United Talent Agency, cut ties.
Charlie Kirk’s death itself has shaken American politics and culture. The 30-year-old conservative commentator, known for founding Turning Point USA, was gunned down during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, the following day after a family member allegedly turned him in.
Reports claim Robinson had posted disturbing jokes online just hours after the shooting.
In the aftermath, Kirk’s widow gave a deeply emotional address livestreamed from Turning Point’s Arizona headquarters. Standing beside her husband’s empty podcast chair, she reflected on his love for Donald Trump, his devotion to America, and his role as a father of two. Fighting through tears, she whispered a prayer before telling supporters:
“My husband loved you, Mr. President. And he knew that you loved him too. But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart.”
With their latest comments, Bob Vylan have sparked another wave of outrage. While their music often tackles political themes, critics say celebrating someone’s death crosses a line — leaving fans divided over whether the band’s shock tactics are activism or pure hate.
