The fallout from Bob Vylan’s explosive Glastonbury performance continues, and now, the final piece of the puzzle has fallen into place.
For the first time, the drummer of the politically charged punk-rap duo can be named publicly — Wade Laurence George, a 32-year-old former bartender based in East London.
Who Are Bob Vylan?
Bob Vylan is made up of two musicians: the frontman who goes by the stage name Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Forster), and the drummer, previously known only by the alias Bobbie Vylan.
Their music is known for its raw political commentary, tackling issues like racism, housing injustice, and anti-establishment anger.
But their latest controversy has nothing to do with their lyrics — and everything to do with what they said on stage.
Controversial Chants at Glastonbury
During their set at Glastonbury Festival last weekend, the duo led the crowd in deeply divisive chants.
Among them were phrases like “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]” and the politically charged slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Many in the Jewish community view the latter as a call for the destruction of Israel, and the reaction to their chants was swift and fierce.
Secret Identities Unmasked
Until now, only Robinson-Forster had been named, following heavy backlash online.
George, the drummer, had remained anonymous — a choice the pair had previously said was meant to resist the “surveillance state.”
But now, it’s been revealed that George worked as a bartender at Soho’s Crobar (which closed in 2020) and, like his bandmate, lives in East London.
How the Band Formed
The two musicians met in a London pub back in 2017 and eventually formed their band in Ipswich.
Ironically, despite their name, neither is a fan of Bob Dylan.
They simply found the play on his name funny.
A History of Provocation
Bob Vylan is no stranger to controversy.
Their first album was considered too “extreme” for traditional music labels, according to Robinson-Forster.
But they pushed ahead and self-released it anyway.
Tracks like “Britain Makes Me Violent” and “Reign” make no secret of their views — criticizing the monarchy, calling out systemic injustice, and even addressing the housing crisis with lyrics like, “Landlord just raised your rent – mate, get yourself a gun.”
Family, Politics, and Protest
Despite their aggressive style, the band also speaks about themes like fatherhood.
Robinson-Forster has said that his daughter inspired the name of their debut album, We Live Here, and she even appeared on the cover of their single “Dream Big.”
The frontman also revealed he attended his first pro-Palestine protest at age 15 and has criticized other left-leaning bands for not being outspoken enough about the issue.
Backlash and Global Consequences
Following their Glastonbury chants, backlash came not only from British politicians and the public, but also from abroad.
The U.S. State Department has revoked Bob Vylan’s visas, which means their upcoming U.S. tour — including a stint supporting Canadian-American artist Grandson — is off the table for now.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau didn’t hold back, stating, “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
Leaders and Organizers Respond
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the Glastonbury performance, calling it “appalling” and insisting that artists who incite violence shouldn’t be given a platform.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury’s organizers said the chants had “crossed a line,” although the set was broadcast by the BBC before criticism mounted.
The Band Responds — And Doubles Down
Despite the backlash, Robinson-Forster isn’t backing down.
He posted on Instagram: “I said what I said,” acknowledging the flood of messages he’s received since the show — a mix of support and hate.
He later clarified that the band is “not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group.”
Where Things Stand Now
Bob Vylan’s future on the international stage is uncertain following the revoked visas, but the controversy has only amplified their visibility.
Whether that leads to more support or more backlash remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: they’ve made their stance, and their names, impossible to ignore.