Killdren, a duo comprising Efa Thomas, 27, and 40-year-old Nick Ronin who describe themselves as a ‘two-bit rave punk band that hail from Tunbridge Wells’, have been pulled from the event over a controversial 2017 song.
Entitled ‘Kill Tory Scum (Before They Kill You)’ the lyrics to the song have been called ‘completely abhorrent’ by the Jo Cox foundation.
Labour MP Ms Cox was murdered in her Batley and Spen constituency by far-right extremist, Thomas Mair in 2016.
‘That sort of language and the abuse of children and family members should not be tolerated’
Catherine Anderson, chief executive of the foundation, said the song legitimised ‘harmful words and actions’.
She said: “We as a foundation cannot help but think of Jo when any public platform is given to an individual or group who are inciting violence.
“That sort of language and the abuse of children and family members should not be tolerated.”
Killdren, who were due to appear on the Shangri-La stage at the five-day Somerset festival at the end of June, were told earlier this week that they would be no longer welcome.
A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly saddened that the attention this booking has received has caused such upset and negativity towards such a peaceful festival we are so proud to be part of.
“We in no way condone violence and will not allow this matter to overshadow the incredibly inclusive spirit of Glastonbury, and as a result we have taken the decision to withdraw the booking of this band.”
Killdren say the controversial song, which describes ‘Tory genocide’, was ‘satirical’ and intended to question ‘state-sanctioned violence’.
On hearing of their cancellation they told their Twitter following: “The song was created in time for the last General Election in 2017 and the ‘killing’ was encouraging people to vote out the Tories.
They continued: “People don’t like our s****y music, so they never make it to the end of the video, which makes the above very clear.”
