From CND to Stormzy, political anger has always stalked the stage at Glasto

PM: No Excuse For BBC Hate" reads one tabloid headline.

- MARK BEAUMONT

"Why Did BBC Not Pull Plug On Vile Chants" screams another. "Now Arrest Punk Band Who Led 'Death To Israelis' Chant At Glastonbury" erroneously quotes a third.

It’s fair to say that London duo Bob Vylan leading a chorus of "Death, death, death to the IDF” at this weekend’s edition of the legendary Pilton shindig has stirred up the most outraged response to any set in the festival’s history: widespread condemnation from the government, press and Eavis farmhouse alike.

"Their chants very much crossed a line,” read a statement from the Glastonbury organisers themselves, and as someone with over three decades’ worth of Glasto dirt under my fingernails, I firmly agree that the sight of crowds enthusiastically chanting for any kind of bloodshed absolutely goes against the peace-loving, humanitarian ethos of the festival.

I’d assume that, like myself, the vast majority of Glasto-goers, past and present, are generally appalled at the idea of calling down death on anyone, and only wish that everyone involved in all current conflicts felt the same way - and that they’re currently lying in a wicker yurt, weaving such a sentiment into a giant hemp peace blanket. Neil Young’s closing song “Throw Your Hatred Down” spoke far more clearly for the Avalonian majority.