An Independent Ireland councillor has initiated legal proceedings aimed at halting a gig by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan in Dublin.
The outspoken UK band sparked controversy following their Glastonbury performance over the summer, where they led chants of “death, death to the IDF” in reference to the Israel Defence Forces and the ongoing war in Gaza. The pro-Palestine pair have announced a headline show at Vicar Street, Dublin, on November 26th as part of their *We Won’t Go Quietly* tour.
However, Independent Ireland councillor Linda de Courcy told Dublin District Court on Monday that she and party colleague, TD Ken O’Flynn, would be objecting to Vicar Street’s dance and music licence. She cited serious concerns regarding the scheduled performance.
Clondalkin-based de Courcy, who was elected to South Dublin County Council in 2024, informed the licensing court’s Judge Maire Conneely that Deputy O’Flynn had already written to the Thomas Street venue but had received no response.
Barrister Dorothy Collins, representing Liberty Venues Ltd, the operators of Vicar Street, told Judge Conneely that she was unaware of any objections until now.
Judge Conneely notified Councillor de Courcy that any objections must be submitted in writing within three weeks. The venue would then have an opportunity to respond. The judge also remarked that Deputy O’Flynn should have been present in court as an objector but noted, from Councillor de Courcy, that he was unable to attend on Monday because he was out of the country.
The matter was adjourned until November 17th, with Judge Conneely reiterating that formal objections must be provided to the respondent in writing within three weeks.
The BBC has partially upheld complaints regarding Bob Vylan’s contentious performance at Glastonbury. The broadcaster’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) found that the live stream of the set violated editorial guidelines due to frontman Bobby Vylan’s chant about the IDF and his use of pro-Palestine slogans.
The ECU also identified that abusive remarks made toward record company executives during the performance were antisemitic. While the performance was cleared of encouraging crime or breaching impartiality rules, the BBC removed the footage from its on-demand services. These events led to the broadcaster announcing that it would no longer air “high-risk” performances.
The band has also faced other consequences, including having their US visas revoked. Additionally, a Bob Vylan gig in the Netherlands was cancelled earlier this month after frontman Bobby Vylan made comments about the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
These developments continue to fuel debate around Bob Vylan’s performances and the wider implications for artistic expression and public safety.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/legal-challenge-launched-to-prevent-bob-vylan-concert-in-dublin-1812622.html
