Know all details about the English duo Bob Vylan, their real name, age and religion whose recent performance attracted intense criticism
During their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish-language rap group Kneecap reportedly made remarks that prompted police in Somerset to begin an assessment. The controversy centered around chants led by rapper Bobby Vylan, who was heard calling for “death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces) and chanting “free, free Palestine”—a moment that drew immediate backlash, particularly since it was broadcast live on the BBC.
UKLFI has reported Mr Robinson-Foster to the Avon and Somerset Police after Bobby Vylan’s performance, which was shared by the media and on social media as during this performance he shouted out “Death, Death to the IDF” several times.
Who are Bobby and Bobbie Vylan, members of punk duo band Bob Vylan, real name, age and religion
Apparently this guy from Bob Vylan doesn't want people to know that his real name is Pascal Robinson-foster after his performance at Glastonbury yesterday
It would be terrible if everyone Re-tweeted this pic.twitter.com/qvyoJsuCAy
— Blair is in the Air 👉🏻 🇬🇧 🇪🇸👈🏻 (@BlairIsInTheAir) June 29, 2025
Bob Vylan, a punk duo from London, came to be known for their distinctive blend of grime, punk rock, and hip hop. Formed in 2017 by vocalist-guitarist Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, the band quickly established itself with a debut performance held just two weeks after their formation. In their formative year, the duo reportedly released four singles and two EPs—Dread and Vylan—under their own label, Ghost Theatre.
While both members use stage names to maintain their privacy in face of what they describe as a surveillance state and collectively refer to themselves as “the Bobs, according to social media users, the real name of singer Bobby Vylan is Pascal Robinson-Foster, he is aged 34 and lives in Ipswich, and is sole director of two companies, Ghost Theatre Ltd (company number 15363944) and Lavy Hill Ltd (company number 15013737). Bobbie’s real name isn’t known meanwhile but he is believed to be in his 30s as well.
While the Foster surname is of English origin, derived from the occupation of “forester” or “keeper of the forest”, it is not inherently associated with any specific religion but Pascal could be a Christian.
They formed in Ipswich in 2017 and their musical style is a mix of punk, rap, and hard rock and have released three albums – We Live Here (2020), Bob Vylan Presents The Price Of Life (2022), and last year’s Humble As The Sun – and their music has won them awards including best alternative act at the MOBOs in 2022, and best album at the Kerrang Awards in the same year.
Their songs confront issues including racism, homophobia, toxic masculinity, and far-right politics, and the track Pretty Songs.
BBC director : "Cut Kneecap, show someone else, use anyone."
BBC editor : "That Vylan guy?"
BBC director : "Anyone!"
Bob Vylan : [crowd chanting] "Death, Death to the IDF, Death Death to the IDF"
— Julian Sayarer (@JulianSayarer) June 28, 2025
Their first studio album, We Live Here, was released on 7 August 2020. This was followed by a tour in support of bands like The Offspring and Biffy Clyro, and performances at major music festivals including Reading and Leeds in 2021.
Their second studio effort, Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life, reached number 18 on the UK Albums Chart upon its release on 22 April 2022. Their third album, Humble as the Sun, was launched on 5 April 2024, after two of its singles were shared in October 2023. The duo attracted public and media attention at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, where they appeared to have made a strong political statement regarding the Gaza conflict by waving the Palestinian flag and chanting slogans critical of the Israeli Defense Forces.
Bobby and Bobbie, who together refer to themselves as “the Bobs,” have maintained a notable level of privacy by performing under stage names. While Bobby handles vocals and guitar, Bobbie takes charge of drums.
Bobby, who cited influences ranging from rap and indie rock to Jamaican genres, reportedly used his Jamaican heritage as a foundation for songs like “Wicked and Bad” and “Health Is Wealth,” which incorporate dancehall and reggae rhythms. The band’s tracks, including spoken-word pieces like “Intro” from We Live Here and “Interlude” from The Price of Life, have been seen as artistic extensions of their lyrical ethos.
Their influences are believed to include legendary figures such as Johnny Rotten and Akala, as well as rappers like Dizzee Rascal, Stormzy, and Skepta. According to Alternative Press, fans of bands like Idles, Fever 333, and Turnstile might find Bob Vylan especially compelling. Kerrang!’s Ian Winwood went as far as to describe them as the most exciting and important punk band in the UK in 2022.
The BBC: try to ban Kneecap and when that fails refuse to air the set.
Bob Vylan:
Top set so far 🫡#Glastonbury #bobvylan pic.twitter.com/2M6ZQdg2nF
— Matt Price (@Matt_Price_1971) June 28, 2025
The importance of family, especially fatherhood, has also permeated their creative output. One album title reportedly originated from Bobby’s daughter, who also featured on the track. The single “Dream Big” was said to include contributions from the children of the band members, including Bobby’s daughter and her cousins—though all identities have been kept confidential.
Back in 2005 'Bob Vylan' aka 'Nee-Hi' aka Pascal Robinson-Foster was invited to perform at a police conference. The activists within policing's ranks sure know how to pick 'em! https://t.co/vmVb33uf0U pic.twitter.com/OKGSjOXxuR
— Rory Geoghegan (@rorygeo) June 29, 2025