An Independent Ireland councillor has commenced legal proceedings aimed at halting a gig by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan in Dublin.

The outspoken British band have sparked controversy in the wake of their Glastonbury performance during the summer, where they led chants of “death, death to the IDF” in reference to the Israel Defense Forces and the war in Gaza.

The pro-Palestine pair have announced a headline show at Vicar Street, Dublin, on November 26 as part of their We Won’t Go Quietly tour.

However, Independent Ireland councillor Linda de Courcy told Dublin District Court on Monday that she was there on behalf of party colleague Mr O’Flynn, and would be objecting to Vicar St’s dance and music licence. 

She added that it was due to serious concerns regarding the scheduled performance.

Clondalkin-based Ms de Courcy, who was elected to South Dublin County Council in 2024, informed the licensing court’s Judge Máire Conneely that Mr O’Flynn had already written to the Thomas St venue, but that he had received no response.

Barrister Dorothy Collins — representing Liberty Venues Ltd, the operators of Vicar St — told Judge Conneely she had no idea there would be any objections until now.

Judge Conneely notified Ms de Courcy that the objections must be set out in writing within three weeks, and the venue could then respond.

Formal objections

She remarked that the Cork North Central TD should have been in court as he was an objector, but noted from Ms de Courcy that he could not attend on Monday because he was out of the country.

Judge Conneely adjourned the matter until November 17, and she reiterated that formal objections must be sent to the respondent in writing within three weeks.

The BBC has partially upheld complaints regarding the act’s contentious performance at Glastonbury.

The broadcaster’s executive complaints unit (ECU) found that the livestream of the set violated editorial guidelines due to frontman Bobby Vylan’s chant about the IDF and his use of pro-Palestine slogans.

The ECU also identified that abusive remarks made toward record company executives were antisemitic. 

Although the performance was cleared of encouraging crime or breaching impartiality rules, the BBC removed the footage from its on-demand services. 

These events led to an announcement that it would no longer broadcast “high-risk” performances.

The band has also faced other consequences, including having their US visas revoked.

A Bob Vylan gig in the Netherlands was cancelled after frontman Bobby Vylan made comments about the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month.