Kneecap, the Irish-language hip-hop trio, played to a fervent crowd at their largest-ever festival headline show on Friday. This performance occurred just days after a band member faced charges related to a terrorism offense.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged by the Metropolitan Police with allegedly displaying a flag supporting the proscribed Lebanese organization Hezbollah at a previous concert.
The band refutes the charge, characterizing it as “political policing” and a distraction from the situation in Gaza.
During their London’s Wide Awake performance, Ó hAnnaidh—scheduled for court next month—addressed the audience, stating authorities were attempting to silence the group before Glastonbury and urging fans not to be “on the wrong side of history.”
“I wish I didn’t have to do this,” he said at the south London event. “But the world needs to see the solidarity of 20,000 people chanting, ‘Free Free Palestine!'”
The crowd in Brixton’s Brockwell Park echoed the chant.
The UN declared on Friday that Gaza is experiencing the “cruellest phase” of the conflict, with significant aid supplies stalled at the border.
Kneecap’s frontman, Mo Chara, reminded the audience, “Let’s remember how lucky we are to be here, not being bombed from the sky.”
Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7th cross-border attack, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking. The death toll in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, exceeds 53,762, including over 16,500 children.
Kneecap’s appeal lies in their relatable, provocative blend of anti-establishment lyrics and danceable beats. Following in the footsteps of groups like NWA and Run the Jewels, they present themselves as dissident voices for the oppressed.
Critics, however, view them as dangerous and provocative.
Some politicians, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, have called for bans. Following their description of Israel’s actions in Gaza as a US-funded genocide at Coachella last month, they faced accusations of antisemitism and terrorism sympathy.
Subsequently, UK counter-terrorism police reviewed footage from past gigs, one showing alleged expressions of support for Hamas and Hezbollah—both banned in the UK. Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim group, is vehemently opposed to Israel’s existence and has engaged in violent conflicts.
Another video allegedly contained calls for the assassination of Conservative MPs. Kneecap apologized to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, claiming the footage was manipulated, and reiterating their lack of support for Hamas or Hezbollah.
They reiterated this claim onstage Friday.
Friday’s concert, Kneecap’s first major gig since the investigation began, followed a smaller, “secret” show at London’s 100 Club the previous night.
The band—Chara, Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh)—performed tracks from their acclaimed album, *Fine Art*, which has seen a recent surge in streams. This included a new song, “The Recap,” featuring a news report about the counter-terrorism investigation.
Many fans, displaying Irish and Palestinian flags, enthusiastically participated in the performance, which covered topics ranging from nightlife to political issues in Northern Ireland and Gaza.
One fan, Myrtle from Brighton, expressed support for the band’s stance on Gaza, acknowledging the seriousness of the terror charge but highlighting the increased awareness of the political context.
The concert culminated in performances of “Get Your Brits Out” and “H.O.O.D,” with the audience chanting the Irish Republican slogan “Tiocfaidh ár lá” (“Our day will come”).
A Brixton resident, John, offered a contrasting view, questioning the band’s understanding of Irish history before the Good Friday Agreement.
Gwen, a fan from Orkney, discovered Kneecap through their Bafta-winning film, and having lived in Israel, emphasized the desire for peace among many people on the ground.
Michael “Mikey J” Asante, composer of Kneecap’s biopic, speaking at the Ivor Novello awards, highlighted the importance of freedom of expression.
Ó hAnnaidh, seemingly unconcerned about the legal ramifications, joked with the audience about writing to them from prison.
Wide Awake Festival organizers confirmed the gig would proceed after “positive discussions,” but other Kneecap shows, including those at the Eden Project and Plymouth Pavilions, have been cancelled.
Police Scotland stated that Kneecap’s performance at TRNSMT would necessitate “a significant policing operation.”
Commons Leader Lucy Powell opposes their Glastonbury appearance; Ó hAnnaidh’s court date precedes the festival. Several artists, including CMAT, Massive Attack, and Primal Scream, have publicly defended Kneecap, criticizing the focus on their statements while ignoring the situation in Gaza.
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