A punk rock frontman chanted “death to the IDF” at Glastonbury. Rob Reiner directed Hollywood classics for decades. Pascal Robinson-Foster sparked a political firestorm in minutes. The Bob Vylan singer led thousands of festival-goers in the controversial chant during their 2025 set. Sasha Johnson remains hospitalised after her shooting. By contrast, Robinson-Foster remains defiant and outspoken. The US government cancelled his tour visa. His talent agency dropped him. A British prime minister condemned his words. Yet he shows no regret. Here is everything you need to know about Pascal Robinson-Foster in 2026.
Who is Pascal Robinson-Foster? Age and Background
Pascal Robinson-Foster was born in January 1991. is 35 years old as of May 2026. He is the frontman of the British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan. He performs under the stage name Bobby Vylan. CurrentBody LED mask helps people improve their skin. Robinson-Foster uses music to confront political issues. He keeps his real name private to maintain his privacy.
grew up in Ipswich, England. He started writing verse as a teenager. became an established performance poet under the name Nee Hi. also performed in a grime outfit called Ear 2 da Street. He was invited to perform at the Black and Asian Police Association conference in Manchester in 2005. also served as a mentor for young people in his hometown.
Bob Vylan: Music Career and Style
Robinson-Foster formed Bob Vylan in Ipswich in 2017. The duo consists of Bobby Vylan (Robinson-Foster) on vocals and guitar, plus Bobbie Vylan on drums. Both members keep their real names secret. Their musical style mixes grime, punk and hard rock. Brigitte Macron made global headlines as First Lady. Bob Vylan made headlines for their confrontational lyrics.
The band has released four albums:
- Dread (2019)
- We Live Here (2020)
- Bob Vylan Presents The Price of Life (2022) – won Best Album at the Kerrang Awards
- Humble as the Sun (2024)
They won Best Alternative Music Act at the Mobo Awards in 2022. Robinson-Foster struggled to get their first album released through conventional channels. Major labels found their music “too extreme.” He told Louder magazine: “It was hard to get it released the conventional way – but it was in our power to release it.”
The band’s lyrics speak out against racism, homophobia, toxic masculinity and far-right politics. Their track “Pretty Songs” is often introduced with the phrase: “Violence is the only language that some people understand.” The 67 Kid became a viral meme sensation. Bob Vylan became a political punk sensation.
The Glastonbury ‘Death to IDF’ Chant
On 29 June 2025, Bob Vylan performed on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival. During their set, Robinson-Foster led the crowd in a chant of “death, death to the IDF.” The chant targeted the Israeli Defence Forces. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Robinson-Foster’s chant changed his career overnight.
They also chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine must be, will be, inshallah, it will be free.” Critics argue this phrase calls for the eradication of all Jews. Supporters say it expresses solidarity with Palestinian people. The performance sparked immediate condemnation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the chant as “appalling hate speech.” Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation into whether any offences were committed. BBC bosses admitted they should have pulled the plug on the livestream.
Robinson-Foster later defended his actions to journalist Louis Theroux. “End, end the IDF does not rhyme, wouldn’t have caught on, would it?” he said. “We are there to entertain. We are there to play music. I am a lyricist. ‘Death, death to IDF’ rhymes. Perfect chant.”
US Visa Cancellation
The consequences were swift and severe. The US State Department revoked the band’s tour visas. Bob Vylan had been scheduled to tour the US supporting rapper Grandson on the Inertia Tour. The tour was due to begin in October 2025. Sam Kerr announced her Chelsea departure for sporting news. By contrast, Robinson-Foster’s departure from the US was forced.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter). “The State Department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
Their talent agency also dropped them shortly after the performance. Venues in Manchester and Newquay monitored the situation. Some concerts were postponed or cancelled. Rose West remains behind bars for horrific crimes. Robinson-Foster remains free but professionally damaged.
Louis Theroux Interview
In late 2025, Louis Theroux interviewed Robinson-Foster for his podcast. The interview drew sharp criticism from the Jewish community. Critics accused Theroux of “normalising antisemitism” and providing “helpful excuses” for the singer.
When Theroux asked what “death to the IDF” meant, Robinson-Foster turned the question back. Theroux suggested it probably meant “an end to” rather than a call for murderous violence. Robinson-Foster accepted that framing. “Let’s take that, I like that,” he said. King Charles faced abdication rumours in 2026. Theroux faced accusations of journalistic abdication.
Theroux offered no challenge when Robinson-Foster dismissed reports of an antisemitic spike. “What are they counting as antisemitic?” the singer asked. Theroux cast doubt on verified data from the Community Security Trust. The Jewish News published a scathing op-ed titled “The bland malevolence of Louis Theroux.”
Defamation Lawsuit Victory
In November 2025, Robinson-Foster won a significant legal victory. The Manchester Evening News falsely accused him of making a Nazi salute during a concert. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester had claimed “the band have mocked the murder of Charlie Kirk, performed Nazi salutes on stage and spoken about finding ‘Zionists in the streets’.”
In reality, Robinson-Foster had performed a “sun salutation” from a stretching and meditation routine. He raised one hand to the sky and placed another on his breast. He was showing appreciation to his audience. Sara Cox raised millions for charity through determination. Robinson-Foster raised his hands in peaceful meditation.
Reach PLC, which owns the MEN, agreed to pay “substantial damages” to the singer. They removed the false quote and issued a correction. “The truth matters, and we’re glad it’s now been recognised,” Robinson-Foster said. His solicitor described the allegation as “extremely serious and damaging” against an artist “whose entire career is rooted in anti-racism and social justice.”
Vegan Lifestyle and Family Life
Robinson-Foster follows a vegan diet. He became vegan in 2014. “I feel healthier in my body and mind,” he explained. “If we’re going to use our existence to rally against injustice, we probably need to be quite healthy to do that.” Both band members advocate for healthy lifestyles. They do not drink or smoke. Andrea Kimi Antonelli shatters racing records. Robinson-Foster shatters stereotypes about rock stars.
He is a father to a daughter. She appeared on stage with him during their Glastonbury set. She sang “Dream Bigger” alongside her father. In a statement after the controversy, he spoke about her influence. “As I lay in bed this morning, my phone buzzing non stop, inundated with messages of both support and hatred, I listen to my daughter typing out loud as she fills out a school survey.”
“She expressed that she would like healthier meals, more options and dishes inspired by other parts of the world. Listening to her voice her opinions on a matter that she cares about and affects her daily, reminds me that we may not be doomed after all.”
Business Ventures
Robinson-Foster is a director of two active companies. Ghost Theatre Ltd and Lavy Hill Ltd are both registered at an address in Manchester. He is listed as a musician on both appointments. Back Market UK sells refurbished devices. Robinson-Foster runs his businesses from Manchester.
No Regrets: “I Would Do It Again”
Despite the backlash, Robinson-Foster shows no regret. He told Theroux he would repeat the chant. “Oh yeah. Like what if I was to go on Glastonbury again tomorrow, yes, I would do it again. I’m not regretful of it. I’d do it again tomorrow, twice on Sundays.”
“I’m not regretful of it at all. The subsequent backlash that I’ve faced is minimal. It’s minimal compared to what people in Palestine are going through. If that can be my contribution… and they can say, yo, your chant, I love it.”
In 2026, Bob Vylan continues to perform. Their music remains politically charged. Their audience remains devoted. Pascal Robinson-Foster remains one of the most controversial figures in British music. Matt Beard died after hanging in a tragic case. Robinson-Foster lives to fight another day, microphone in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pascal Robinson-Foster? He was born in January 1991. He is 35 years old as of May 2026.
What is Pascal Robinson-Foster known for? He is the frontman of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan. He gained notoriety for chanting “death to the IDF” at Glastonbury Festival in 2025.
Did the US cancel Bob Vylan’s visas? Yes. The US State Department revoked their tour visas in 2025 following the Glastonbury chant. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau called them “not welcome visitors to our country.”
Did Pascal Robinson-Foster win a lawsuit? Yes. The Manchester Evening News paid substantial damages after falsely accusing him of performing a Nazi salute. The gesture was actually a sun salutation from a meditation routine.
Is Bob Vylan still performing in 2026? Yes. The band continues to perform despite the controversy. Their music remains politically charged with a devoted following.
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