Irish rap group Kneecap set to perform at Glastonbury amid political backlash
Kneecap, an Irish-language rap group, is scheduled to perform at the Glastonbury Festival despite criticism from British politicians and a recent terror charge against one of its members.
Pilton, England: The Glastonbury Festival is set to witness the performance of Kneecap, an Irish-language rap group, on Saturday, amidst controversy and political backlash.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara on stage, has been charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London in November.
He remains on unconditional bail until his next court hearing in August.The Belfast-based trio, despite facing criticism for their lyrics and political statements, is recognized for revitalizing Northern Ireland's Irish-language cultural scene.
Kneecap's music often satirically draws from the language and imagery of the Irish republican movement and the region’s violent past.
Videos have surfaced showing band members allegedly shouting slogans in support of Hamas and Hezbollah and calling for violence against lawmakers.
The group asserts their non-support for these organizations and condemns violence, attributing the backlash to efforts aimed at silencing them due to their Palestinian activism.This controversy has led to the cancellation of several Kneecap gigs.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it would be 'inappropriate' for Glastonbury to provide a platform for the group, while opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch suggested the BBC, which broadcasts numerous hours of Glastonbury performances, should avoid airing what she termed 'Kneecap propaganda.' The BBC has not made any official statements regarding their plans to broadcast Kneecap's set.With over 200,000 ticket holders gathered at Worthy Farm in southwest England for the festival, nearly 4,000 performers across 120 stages will entertain attendees.
Acts like Neil Young, Charli XCX, Rod Stewart, and Olivia Rodrigo are among the headliners scheduled to perform over three days concluding on Sunday.The festival has already seen notable performances from The 1975, an unannounced set by Lorde, a lively reception for Alanis Morissette, and an emotional return by Lewis Capaldi, who previously took a break due to Tourette syndrome.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara on stage, has been charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London in November.
He remains on unconditional bail until his next court hearing in August.The Belfast-based trio, despite facing criticism for their lyrics and political statements, is recognized for revitalizing Northern Ireland's Irish-language cultural scene.
Kneecap's music often satirically draws from the language and imagery of the Irish republican movement and the region’s violent past.
Videos have surfaced showing band members allegedly shouting slogans in support of Hamas and Hezbollah and calling for violence against lawmakers.
The group asserts their non-support for these organizations and condemns violence, attributing the backlash to efforts aimed at silencing them due to their Palestinian activism.This controversy has led to the cancellation of several Kneecap gigs.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it would be 'inappropriate' for Glastonbury to provide a platform for the group, while opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch suggested the BBC, which broadcasts numerous hours of Glastonbury performances, should avoid airing what she termed 'Kneecap propaganda.' The BBC has not made any official statements regarding their plans to broadcast Kneecap's set.With over 200,000 ticket holders gathered at Worthy Farm in southwest England for the festival, nearly 4,000 performers across 120 stages will entertain attendees.
Acts like Neil Young, Charli XCX, Rod Stewart, and Olivia Rodrigo are among the headliners scheduled to perform over three days concluding on Sunday.The festival has already seen notable performances from The 1975, an unannounced set by Lorde, a lively reception for Alanis Morissette, and an emotional return by Lewis Capaldi, who previously took a break due to Tourette syndrome.
