Grandson, the genre-bending artist known for blending rock, rap and electronic elements, says he was prevented from bringing fellow musician Bob Vylan onstage during his March 2nd performance at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London. The incident, which unfolded before a crowd of approximately 2,000 attendees, has sparked a debate about artistic freedom and safety concerns surrounding potentially disruptive protests. The core of the issue, as outlined by Grandson, centers on a decision reportedly made by local police, fearing demonstrations would impact the audience’s safety.
The artist, whose real name is Jordan Benjamin, detailed the situation in a series of Instagram Stories, explaining that he was informed of the restriction shortly before taking the stage as part of his ‘Inertia’ tour. He stated he considered canceling the present altogether, but ultimately decided to proceed out of respect for the fans who had traveled to attend. However, he described the experience as “gross,” questioning the venue’s willingness to support outspoken artists while simultaneously failing to protect their right to express themselves. This incident involving Bob Vylan adds another layer to a complex history between the artists and venues, stemming from previous controversies.
Controversial Glastonbury Set Preceded Current Dispute
This isn’t the first time Bob Vylan’s performances have drawn scrutiny. The punk-rap duo, comprised of Bobby Vylan and B.Cvlar, faced significant backlash following their set at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. During their performance, broadcast live by the BBC, Bobby Vylan led the audience in chants of “death, death to the IDF” [Israel Defense Forces] and “free, free Palestine,” as reported by NME. The performance prompted a criminal investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, which was later dropped, and led to the duo being dropped by their agent.
The fallout from Glastonbury too resulted in the revocation of Bob Vylan’s US visas, derailing plans for them to join Grandson on the American leg of his tour. Grandson publicly defended Bob Vylan at the time, arguing against the censorship of art and criticizing the tendency to blame artists for societal problems. He stated, “Censorship of art is a tactic of control,” and emphasized that Bob Vylan’s music was a “symptom of a sick world.”
Venue Remains Silent, Police Concerns Cited
Academy Music Group, which owns the O2 Forum Kentish Town, declined to comment when contacted by NME regarding the incident. Grandson alleges that when he threatened to cancel his March 2nd show, venue officials stated the decision to bar Bob Vylan was “out of their hands” and dictated by the local police’s concerns about potential protests. The specific nature of the anticipated protests remains unclear.
Grandson shared a video of himself addressing the situation onstage, explaining to the audience why Bob Vylan was unable to join him. He emphasized his commitment to providing a space for fans to connect and experience a sense of community, despite the circumstances. He also reiterated his criticism of venues that profit from outspoken artists but are unwilling to defend their right to express their views.
A History of Collaboration and Support
Grandson and Bob Vylan have a pre-existing collaborative relationship, having previously worked together on the song “Who’s The Enemy.” This history of artistic partnership underscores Grandson’s desire to have Bob Vylan join him onstage, and highlights the potential impact of the venue’s decision. The incident raises questions about the balance between security concerns and artistic expression, particularly for artists who address politically charged topics in their work.
The situation also reignites the debate surrounding the treatment of Bob Vylan following their Glastonbury performance. Grandson, who identifies as Jewish, previously spoke out against the conflation of criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism, defending Bob Vylan’s right to express their views on the conflict in Palestine. He stated that the Israeli government had done more to exacerbate antisemitism in recent years than statements made by artists advocating for Palestinian freedom.
As of March 4, 2026, it remains unclear whether the O2 Forum Kentish Town or local police will issue further statements regarding the incident. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists who engage with controversial political issues and the potential for venues and authorities to restrict their artistic freedom. The next step will likely involve further discussion between Grandson’s team, the venue, and potentially local authorities to address the concerns raised and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
What are your thoughts on the balance between artistic freedom and security concerns at live events? Share your perspective in the comments below.
