UK folk singer speaks out on snubbing gig over JD Vance: 'It wasn't something we wanted to be a part of'

UK folk singer speaks out on snubbing gig over JD Vance: 'It wasn't something we wanted to be a part of'
Dolly Mavies and her band walked out of a Daylesford venue after spotting heavy security tied to JD Vance’s visit (Getty Images and @dollymavies/Instagram)


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dolly Mavies (@dollymavies)


 

WASHINGTON, DC: Folk singer Dolly Mavies walked out of a venue in Daylesford, England, after learning that Vice President JD Vance was expected to visit during his family vacation in the United Kingdom in August.

Vance faced pushback and ridicule during his stay in the Cotswolds, where locals complained about the Secret Service lockdown-like measures. Road closures, sniffer dogs, and strict ID checks frustrated residents as the VP toured the area. 

Dolly Mavies opens up about walking out of Daylesford gig

Dolly Mavies and her band decided to leave once they were told JD Vance might attend the show. Although reports circulated that the VP was at the venue, a source close to Vance told the BBC he never planned to attend and was never there.

The singer recalled being suspicious when she saw "a lot of security around," including police motorbikes and large cars signaling a VIP visit.

In an Instagram video, she explained, “We chose to leave as it wasn’t something that we wanted to be a part of.”

FAIRFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: U.S. Vice President JD Vance addresses U.S. troops and families during a visit to RAF Fairford on August 13, 2025 in Fairford, England. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is making the visit to American troops from the United States Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron based at RAF Fairford. The visit comes as Vance and his family are spending part of their summer vacation in nearby Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance addresses US troops and families during a visit to RAF Fairford on August 13, 2025, in Fairford, England (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

After leaving, Mavies received an influx of social media followers and supportive messages. “Obviously there’s an overwhelming sense of support in America,” she said. “I think for a lot of American people there’s a lot of uncertainty, and it was amazing to feel like they’d been heard.”


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dolly Mavies (@dollymavies)


 

She also addressed criticism that her actions were a publicity stunt. “If we were that clever, we would have done something before now,” Mavies said.

Vance, meanwhile, has faced other public criticism. During a recent visit to a Washington, DC train station to meet National Guard members, he was drowned out by chants of “Free DC.”

Internet hails Dolly Mavies for snubbing gig

Many internet users praised Dolly Mavies as she left a venue in England after learning that JD Vance would be visiting the place during his time in the United Kingdom in August.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bloc Sessions (@blocsessions_)


 

An Instagram comment read, "Love that you took a stand. So many are bending the knee," while one added, "Thank you so much! Signed, an American."

A person stated, "Thank you for taking this stance. From the US. You have a new fan," whereas one mentioned, "Canada supports you. Come play for us."

A user also wrote, "New huge fan from Canada!!! @dollymavies I hope and pray for good success for you! Gods got your back!!!" while one commented, "Love you for this."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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