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2h ago

Kneecap Steps Up Protest at Belfast Vital and Electric Picnic as U.S. Tour Is Scrapped Over Court Date

The Belfast rap trio pushes overt pro‑Palestine messaging on stage, with a member awaiting a London hearing on a terrorism charge tied to an alleged Hezbollah flag display.

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Fans of Kneecap wore tricolour balaclavas, above
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Overview

  • Kneecap drew a rapturous Belfast Vital crowd waving Palestine flags, attacking the DUP and Alliance, criticizing Kemi Badenoch, and urging a McDonald's boycott.
  • The group opened with screens reading “Get the US military out of Ireland” and “Free Palestine,” reinforcing themes that have defined recent performances.
  • The band canceled a 15‑stop U.S. tour, citing the proximity of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s next Westminster Magistrates’ Court appearance on September 26.
  • Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, is charged over an alleged Hezbollah flag display at a November 2024 London gig, with the case ongoing.
  • At Electric Picnic on Saturday, the trio accused Ireland’s government of complicity in Gaza, referenced U.S. military use of Shannon, and repeated calls to “Free Palestine,” while also highlighting cancellations and a reported Hungary ban.