Punk duo Bob Vylan have found themselves at the centre of controversy after a show scheduled in Tilburg was cancelled following frontman Bobby Vylan’s remarks about the recent fatal shooting of far right commentator Charlie Kirk. The venue 013 said the comments “go too far” and no longer align with what it feels it can support.

During the Amsterdam performance the frontman said:

“The pronouns was/were. Cause if you chat sht you will get banged. Rest in piss Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit.”

Critics including the local venue and groups aligned with Turning Point accused the band of glorifying or celebrating Kirk’s death. Organisers of the Tilburg show announced its cancellation citing the new statements as crossing a line.

In a video response Bobby Vylan said:

“At no point during yesterday’s show was Charlie Kirk’s death celebrated. At no point whatsoever did we celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death. I did call him a piece of sh*t. That much is true. But at no point was his death celebrated. If it was, go find me a quote, go find me something that proves that we were celebrating his death. You’re not gonna find it, because it didn’t happen.”

He also blamed a reporter for allegedly attending with the goal of finding something sensational to report.

Following the backlash many fans have defended the band online highlighting Bob Vylan’s history of politically charged lyrics and their outspoken stance on racism and inequality. Others argued that the remark crossed a moral boundary and risked undermining their wider message of challenging oppressive systems. Music industry figures have weighed in too, some saying that punk has always courted controversy while others called for more mindful engagement when addressing sensitive subjects.

The duo have previously been vocal critics of right wing politics in the UK and abroad using their music to highlight social injustice and systemic violence. Their supporters say that context matters and that their anger stems from real world harm caused by extremist rhetoric. However even some sympathetic listeners suggested that invoking someone’s death in such blunt terms can alienate audiences who might otherwise engage with the band’s political critique.