Last Friday we witnessed what many are calling “the return of Banksy.” An inflatable boat loaded with mannequins began sailing over the heads of the crowd gathered at the Glastonbury festival for the concert of the British punk rock band Idles. It was a performance enacted by the Bristol-based street artist – also the Idles’ hometown – who is known for his irreverent and uncomfortable actions. Here the visual reference is clear. The dinghy with migrants on board sails wavering accompanied by the hands of the spectators in a kind of collective “crowd surfing,” alluding to the dangerous journeys of migrants across the Mediterranean and the English Channel.
Initially, many thought this was the idea of the Idles, known for her outspoken stances in defense of human rights and against right-wing politics. The truth was not revealed until Sunday, June 30, and confirmed by Banksy himself a few hours later. In fact, the band was unaware of the performance until its conclusion, making the surprise even more authentic for everyone, including the band members themselves. It is interesting that Bansky specifically chose the song “Danny Nedelko,” a song the band dedicates to their friend Danny – frontman of Heavy Lungs – as well as an immigrant of Ukrainian descent. The lyrics of the song reflect on immigration by calling for respect, understanding, and empathy towards anyone, regardless of where they come from. Once again Bansky succeeds in speaking about strong issues and does so in a super contemporary context, speaking especially to the younger generation.
My blood brother is an immigrant
A beautiful immigrant
My blood brother’s Freddie Mercury
A Nigerian mother of three
He’s made of bones, he’s made of blood
He’s made of flesh, he’s made of love
He’s made of you, he’s made of me
Unity
Fear leads to panic, panic leads to pain
Pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate
In cover: Credits Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror
