British punk-rap group Bob Vylan are coming under severe criticism after seemingly gloating over the assassination of Turning Point USA chairman Charlie Kirk at a live show in the Netherlands.
The stage remarks followed just days after Kirk, 31, was assassinated while giving a speech at Utah Valley University, an action that the FBI has labeled as a “political assassination.” His death has evoked condolences from right-wing leaders, including ex-President Donald Trump.
The altercation occurred in the middle of Bob Vylan’s performance at Amsterdam’s Paradiso when frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, dedicated a song to what he termed “an absolute piece of s*** of a human being.” He continued by including, “The pronouns was/were.”. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of s***.” The comment shocked some sections of the audience as the singer continued to taunt the crowd by inquiring if there were “any snipers in the room,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
The pair are accustomed to fiery moments on stage. This year, Bob Vylan was making headlines at the Glastonbury Festival when they yelled “Death to the IDF” during a broadcast performance, prompting widespread outrage from Jewish organizations and politicians. The BBC subsequently took the set off its channels amid the furore.
In spite of continued controversy, the band remains booked at large venues. Paradiso, where the most recent comments occurred, stood up for hosting the band. The venue issued a statement stating, “activism is inseparably linked to Bob Vylan.” Security at the Amsterdam performance was clearly increased, with police presence and bag inspections in effect to maintain safety.
Here’s “death, death to the IDF” Bob Vylan celebrating Charlie Kirk’s murder during a set in Amsterdam.
“Coz if you chat sh*t, you know get banged.” With a gun gesture. Any word from police when this guy is going to get charged?
— Heidi Bachram 🎗️ (@HeidiBachram) September 14, 2025
Their latest tirade has been met with a mixed reaction. Numerous critics lambasted Bob Vylan for celebrating violence and disrespecting Kirk’s heartbroken family. Social media observers branded the diatribe as “hate speech” and “deeply irresponsible.” Meanwhile, some fans defended the band’s method, complimenting them for not muzzling themselves and seeing the words as part of their uncompromising activist philosophy.
The controversy comes against a wider backdrop of concerns about increasing political violence in the US. The killing of Kirk has highlighted tensions, and Bob Vylan’s refusal to apologize only added to further controversy over the role of musicians in politics. For the time being, the duo remains unrepentant as controversy continues to mount online and elsewhere.
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