US EditionMusicians rally around Kneecap amid calls to axe group from TRNSMT
- The Irish rap trio Kneecap faced calls for bans from UK festivals in 2024 after a band member shouted pro-Hamas and Hezbollah slogans at a concert in November 2024.
- The controversy grew from the politically charged statements linked to Middle East and British politics, including calls by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and other politicians to remove Kneecap from Glastonbury and TRNSMT.
- Following the backlash and police counterterrorism investigations into video footage, multiple Kneecap concerts were canceled in the UK and Germany while the band and their manager denied incitement and condemned violence.
- Over 40 prominent artists, including Pulp, Paul Weller, Massive Attack, Primal Scream, and Fontaines D.C., signed a joint statement opposing censorship and defending artistic freedom against political interference.
- The situation highlighted tensions between artistic expression and political outrage, with supporters arguing Kneecap’s message centers on inclusion, while critics warn performances could incite harm, making ongoing legal and festival decisions pivotal.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Kneecap release new song ahead of headline performance
The band, made up of Liam O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, thanked the "25,000 legends" who will be attending Friday night's performance, in a post on Instagram, before releasing the track
Irish Rap Trio Kneecap Sees More Concerts Canceled as British Artists Express Solidarity With Anti-Israel Remarks
A slew of British musicians spoke out on Wednesday in defense of the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who are facing widespread criticism and the cancellation of several scheduled performances after making antisemitic, anti-Israel, and other offensive comments. In a statement posted on Instagram, the trip-hop collective Massive Attack claimed politicians and "right-wing journalists" are
UK counterterror police say they will investigate comments by Irish rap group Kneecap
LONDON (AP) — British police said Thursday that counterterrorism detectives will investigate comments by Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, which has been criticized by U.K. politicians over statements about the Middle East and British politics.
Huge music names back Irish rappers Kneecap amid calls to axe group from TRNSMT
LEGENDARY Scottish rockers Primal Scream are among huge names in music backing Irish rappers Kneecap amid calls for the group to be axed from TRNSMT line-up. The Belfast-based trio have come under fire after footage emerged appearing to show them calling for the deaths of MPs. GettyThe Belfast-based trio have come under fire after footage emerged appearing to show them calling for the deaths of MPs[/caption] GettyPrimal Scream are amongst the hu…
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