Kneecap at Glastonbury: Irish Rapper’s Set Ignites Controversy with Political Chants and Condemnation of Israel
A performance by Irish hip-hop group Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2025, became a focal point of political contention, featuring explicit criticism of British prime Minister Keir Starmer and strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in gaza. The band’s appearance followed a concerted effort by politicians and music industry figures to have them removed from the lineup due to a recent terrorism-related charge against one of its members.
political Backlash and Calls for Cancellation
Prior to the festival, Keir Starmer publicly stated that Kneecap’s inclusion was “not appropriate,” sparking a wave of controversy. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch urged the BBC, the festival’s broadcaster, to refrain from airing the group’s performance. A letter signed by 30 music industry executives, leaked by DJ Toddla T and reported by The Guardian, further amplified calls for Kneecap’s removal. In a show of support, over 100 musicians subsequently signed a counter-letter defending the band’s right to perform.
Did You Know? The movement to cancel Kneecap’s performance mirrors similar controversies faced by artists expressing political views at major festivals. Explore instances of censorship and artistic freedom debates at Glastonbury and other events.
Defiant Performance and Direct Criticism
Despite the pressure, Kneecap delivered a high-energy set to an estimated crowd of 30,000 people, forcing organizers to close the West Holts stage due to overcrowding. during the performance, band member Liam O’Hanna, also known as Mo Chara, directly addressed Starmer, leading the crowd in a chant of “F Keir Starmer.” O’Hanna, who was wearing a keffiyeh scarf – a symbol of Palestinian identity – stated, “The prime minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f Keir starmer.”
another member, Móglaí bap (also known as Naoise Ó Cairealláin), referenced O’Hanna’s upcoming court appearance, describing the charge as “trumped up terrorism.” he emphasized that the stress of the legal battle paled in comparison to the daily struggles faced by Palestinians. Later in the set, the group unequivocally stated, “There’s no f***ing hiding it, Israel are war criminals.”
Visual Cue: A photo of Liam O’Hanna wearing the keffiyeh scarf during the performance would add visual context to his statement.
Terrorism Charge and Artistic Interpretation
The controversy surrounding Kneecap stems from a recent charge against O’Hanna for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, at a concert. O’Hanna has denied the charge. The band’s manager, Dan Lambert, acknowledged they anticipated calls for cancellation. O’Hanna himself suggested the group was “playing characters” on stage,leaving the interpretation of their messages to the audience.
Deep Dive: What are the legal definitions of “supporting terrorism” and how do they apply to artistic expression? Research landmark cases involving similar charges against artists and performers.
International Response and Ongoing Conflict
The Israeli embassy in Britain expressed being “deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric” at Glastonbury. The embassy did not immediately issue a further comment on Kneecap’s specific statements. The band’s performance occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has, according to local health authorities, resulted in the deaths of over 56,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians. Israel has repeatedly denied committing abuses during the conflict.
Contextualize: Provide a brief timeline of the israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting key events and resolutions that inform the current situation.
A Festival Stand and Artistic Expression
Kneecap publicly thanked festival organizers Michael and Emily Eavis for resisting pressure to cancel their performance. One attendee, Irwin Kelly, 40, described the set as engaging and defended the group’s right to express themselves, stating, “Obviously it had a bit of controversy surrounding it, but its art, it’s performance.” The band, completed by member DJ Próvaí, has maintained they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah.
The incident at Glastonbury underscores the increasing intersection of music,politics,and freedom of expression,raising questions about the boundaries of artistic license and the responsibilities of public platforms.
Reflect: In what ways do music festivals serve as platforms for political expression? Discuss the ethical considerations for festival organizers when balancing artistic freedom with potential offense or controversy.
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The Ripple Effects: Kneecap, Art, and the Future of Music Festivals
The uproar surrounding Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury, particularly their direct criticism of Keir Starmer and Israel, highlights a growing trend: the increasing intersection of artistic expression and political activism within the music industry. The band’s willingness to engage with complex geopolitical issues, even at the risk of controversy, has reignited debates about artistic freedom and the responsibilities of artists in the 21st century. The controversy also calls into question the role of music festivals as platforms for political messaging.
This isn’t the first time a music festival has become a battleground for political ideologies, and it certainly won’t be the last. Kneecap’s stance and subsequent actions offer a valuable opportunity to examine the evolving relationship between artists, audiences, and the political landscape. Consider the implications for future festival bookings and the types of artists who might be considered “safe” versus those who are deemed “too political.”
Did You Know? The use of music for political protest has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. Examine the role of protest songs in various social movements.
The Power of Protest: Music as a Catalyst for Change
Throughout history, music has served as a powerful tool for social and political commentary.From the folk songs of the civil rights movement to the punk anthems of the 1970s, artists have used their platforms to amplify marginalized voices, challenge authority, and advocate for change. Kneecap,with their sharp lyrics and defiant stance,clearly fits this ancient mold.
Consider the power of a shared experience. A live performance can galvanize a crowd, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity around a specific cause.
Kneecap’s performance exemplifies this effect: the crowd’s echoing of anti-Starmer sentiments,a direct response to the pressure they faced,amplified their message. And the crowd’s reaction created social momentum and amplified their message. The band directly mentioned Starmer during the performance. The crowd’s reaction, a sign of support, shows the impact the group’s expression had on the audience.
for artists, wading into political waters can be treacherous. kneecap’s experience illustrates the potential pitfalls: public condemnation, calls for censorship, and reputational damage. The legal ramifications, as seen in the charges against Liam O’Hanna, add another layer of complexity.
What are the trade-offs? Explore the potential impacts of taking a political stance, and look at the potential rewards.
- Damage to reputation: Public opinion can shift rapidly,and an artist’s brand can be damaged by controversial stances.
- Performance cancellations: Festivals and venues may be pressured to cancel a performance, as demonstrated by the group’s earlier cancellations before the Glastonbury set [[1]].
- Legal challenges: As Kneecap is experiencing, artists risk legal action if their statements are perceived as incitement or support for illegal activities.
- Audience backlash: Not all fans will share the same political views. Artists risk alienating a portion of their audience.
The potential benefits,however,can be significant. Political engagement can:
- Increased awareness: It can help raise awareness of important social and political issues.
- Audience engagement: Artists speaking their minds might see increased audience numbers.
- Building a community: Connecting with like-minded fans can foster a sense of community
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- Kneecap at Glastonbury: Irish Rapper’s Set Ignites Controversy with Political Chants and Condemnation of Israel
