Kneecap faces backlash as U.K. police investigate controversial concert remarks and Glastonbury cancellation calls grow

Following a controversial statement during a concert, Kneecap faces police investigation and cancellation calls from Glastonbury amid public outcry and support from notable artists like Paul Weller.

Sources:

Updated 5h ago

The Headline

Immediate Fallout from Controversial Remarks and Government Response

Both Hamas and Hezbollah have views that are absolutely — not just views, but participated in terrorist activities and appalling killing of innocent people, as witnessed on Oct. 7.

Micheál Martin

Irish Prime Minister

It's about telling the next young band, both through the music industry and through the political class, that you cannot speak about Palestine.

Daniel Lambert

representative of Kneecap

Concerts cancelled

3 concerts

Key Facts

Kneecap faces backlash after a member's controversial statement during a gig, which included the phrase “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
U.K. police announced they are investigating a video from a Kneecap concert amid concerns of support for terrorist organizations.
Following comments made by Sharon Osbourne, there are calls for Kneecap's U.S. work visas to be revoked due to their political statements.
Glastonbury is facing pressure to cancel Kneecap's planned performance from the largest body representing Jews in the UK due to perceived terrorism glorification.1

Public Reaction

Artistic Community Rally Against Censorship

Politicians should have no place in deciding who can or cannot play musical festivals.

Paul Weller

Artist

Key Facts

Numerous artists have come forward, including Pulp and Paul Weller, defending Kneecap against what they see as censorship.
Kneecap claims there has been a clear attempt to censor their work and ideas regarding Palestine.

Background Context

Background of Kneecap's Political Influence and Music Career

Key Facts

Kneecap have been outspoken on political issues, including British colonialism in Ireland and the Gaza war, throughout their history.
Kneecap has had a meteoric rise in the music industry, with tens of millions of streams on Spotify alone and widespread critical acclaim.

Kneecap faces backlash as U.K. police investigate controversial concert remarks and Glastonbury cancellation calls grow

Immediate Fallout from Controversial Remarks and Government Response

Artistic Community Rally Against Censorship

Background of Kneecap's Political Influence and Music Career

Other Facts in these Reports

Source Citations