Glastonbury 2024: Banksy unveils inflatable migrant boat during Idles
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(Credits: Far Out / BBC Still)
During Idles’ headline set on The Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Banksy unveiled a new artwork inflatable life raft holding dummy migrants, which was launched into the crowd as the band played the pro-immigration track, ‘Danny Nedelko’.
Understandably, the crowd assumed the migrant boat was part of Idles’ show, and a political statement on behalf of the band, who are vocal supporters of refugees. However, it has now been revealed that Idles were unaware that the stunt by Banksy was set to take place, a representative has stated.
The Banksy was taking aim at the ongoing rhetoric surrounding migrants crossing the English Channel to seek refuge in the United Kingdom. With the general election looming on July 4th, a major talking point has been political parties from all sides promising to ‘Stop The Boats’, and the piece is designed to act as a poignant reminder of the humanity of those who make the life-threatening journey.
Banksy previously teamed up with Stormzy in 2019 during his headline set on the Pyramid Stage with the rapper donning a stab-proof vest featuring the Union Jack designed by the mysterious Bristolian artist.
Elsewhere in their set, Idles used their platform to highlight the ongoing terror in Palestine. Before playing ‘Mother’ from their first album, singer Joe Talbot explained the meaning behind the deeply personal song to the crowd, stating, “This song is a celebration of all the insults that I was thrown over the years, and I tried to turn it into something beautiful.”
He continued: “Just as I did when I needed to take a turn in my life to stop the drugs and the crime, I turned to my friends behind me and they carried me. We make music, and it carried us here and you in turn, saved us. This is for the people of Palestine and this is for you. Any scumbags in the audience?”
Talbot shared his thoughts about the Monarchy in the United Kingdom by leading the crowd through a chant of ‘Fuck The King’. Furthermore, as they departed the stage, the screen behind Idles displayed a simple message, stating, ‘Ceasefire Now’, calling for an end of the conflict in the Middle East to end.
In a four-and-a-half star review of Idles’ set at Worthy Farm, Far Out wrote: “With their rough as sandpaper punk, Idles delivered the perfect antidote to the polished pop from Dua Lipa a short walk away on the Pyramid Stage. Evidently enthused to have been given such a prominent slot, the socially conscious screamers captured the energy of a firecracker let off in an elevator. Easily one of the most full-throttle and affecting sets of Glastonbury Festival so far.”
Glastonbury Festival runs from June 26th until June 30th, and Far Out is on the ground at Worthy Farm to provide coverage directly. This year’s event is headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA.
