‘They can’t stop us’ – Kneecap hit out at John Swinney at Glasgow show

Jonathan GeddesBBC Scotland NewsPA MediaKneecap had been initially slated to headline the King Tut’s stage on Friday at TRNSMTIrish rap trio Kneecap have hit out at First Minister John Swinney throughout a efficiency in Glasgow, following months of controversy over their public statements and police security fears.The group had been as a result of headline the King Tut’s stage on Friday at TRNSMT however had been dropped from the invoice after a public outcry over footage displaying band member Mo Chara holding a Hezbollah flag. They had been then booked to headline town’s O2 Academy as an alternative – a present that bought out in 80 seconds. Swinney was amongst those that stated Kneecap shouldn’t be allowed to carry out on the pageant – which the trio appeared to deal with 10 minutes into their set.PA MediaLiam Ó hAnnaidh, who performs beneath the title Mo Chara, arrives at Glasgow’s O2 AcademyLiam Ó hAnnaidh requested the group “What’s your first minister’s title?” earlier than swearing and including: “They stopped us taking part in TRNSMT however they can not cease us taking part in Glasgow.”The band – consisting of Ó hAnnaidh, DJ Provai, and Moglai Bap -said they didn’t consider the TRNSMT cancellation was the pageant’s fault.The group later stated the pageant row had urged their gigs had been “hate-fests” however that they had been about inclusion and tolerance.Nevertheless their anger in the direction of the political class confirmed as they led a chant towards Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, echoing the highly-charged moments seen on the group’s Glastonbury set.Starmer had beforehand known as for the band to be dropped from the Worthy Farm invoice.The chants had been reprised once more simply previous to the top of the band’s set, which concluded with The Recap, about their victorious courtroom battle with the UK authorities over a funding grant.Related chants occurred once more on the weekend when the trio supported rock band Fontaines D.C. at London’s Finsbury Park. Forward of the Glasgow efficiency, a small group of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered close to the O2 Academy, welcoming the band after they arrived at about 17:00.Kneecap posted a “hats off” to the activists on X, saying they had been “buzzing to play one in all our favorite cities”.The activists remained outdoors as followers queued to get in, often chanting “from the river to the ocean”, referring to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean.Critics of the mantra say it’s antisemitic and implicitly requires the destruction of Israel.PA MediaPro-Palestine demonstrators gathered down the road from the O2 AcademyLater of their Academy set, the band turned their consideration to Rangers – firstly making a deregatory joke about supporters of the Ibrox membership.Nevertheless they later stated that they had “extra in frequent with a poor Rangers fan than a wealthy Celtic fan”, as a part of a speech about working class unity.Many followers got here to the gig carrying Celtic tops and waving the Irish Tricolour, whereas Bap wore a Celtic shirt all through the gig.The group made frequent references to the Parkhead aspect throughout the 75 minute set, which had been greeted with roars of approval and chanting from followers.Ó hAnnaidh additionally issued an expletive-laden critique of Israel, although added he meant “the federal government, not the individuals”.And the largest response all evening arguably got here when Ó hAnnaidh stated the British authorities had “completed nothing for Eire and nothing for Glasgow”.Kneecap are not any strangers to political statements or clashes with governments. The band’s title is a reference to kneecapping, a punishment deployed by paramilitaries throughout the Troubles after they would shoot individuals within the knees.Nevertheless, latest months have seen the group’s notoriety dramatically enhance.Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence over the show of a flag in assist of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig in November final yr.He was launched on unconditional bail after showing in a London courtroom on 18 June.PA MediaLiam Ó hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket in JuneThe band additionally confronted criticism after footage emerged from a 2023 gig showing to point out one member saying: “The one good Tory is a lifeless Tory. Kill your native MP.” These feedback had been condemned by Katie Amess, whose father – Conservative MP Sir David Amess – was murdered in 2021 whereas holding a constituency surgical procedure.The group apologised to the households of Sir David and Jo Cox, the Labour MP murdered in 2016.Though the Metropolitan Police initially investigated the video, the drive declined to take additional motion as a result of offences being past the statutory time restrict for prosecution. Kneecap stated footage of their feedback and of them holding the Hezbollah flag had been taken out of context.The group declare the controversy is a part of a smear marketing campaign towards them, as a result of their assist for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they describe as genocide.The band stated they obtained demise threats and had been dropped by their reserving agent after displaying messages about Gaza throughout a set at US music pageant Coachella in April.Why had been Kneecap dropped from TRNSMT?The row over Kneecap’s MP feedback noticed Swinney intervene to say the group had “crossed a line” and mustn’t play TRNSMT, which takes place on Glasgow Inexperienced each July.He stated: “It could be unacceptable to carry out on such a stage given the actual fact their feedback are so past the pale.”Organisers DF Live shows didn’t remark on the time however Police Scotland grew to become concerned on 22 Might.The drive stated a “vital policing operation” could be required if the trio had been allowed to play on the pageant. It additionally insisted any resolution on who performs at TRNSMT was for organisers to make.Six days later, Kneecap posted on social media: “On account of considerations expressed by the police about security on the occasion, Kneecap can now not carry out at TRNSMT.”To the hundreds of people that purchased tickets, flights and resorts to see us play, we’re sorry… it’s out of our arms.”Glasgow has at all times been an enormous metropolis for us. We have performed there many many occasions, with no points – ever. Make of that what you’ll.”DF Live shows stated it had made the choice as a result of considerations raised by police.PA MediaKneecap are identified for being fiery stay performersThe group and their livid electro-rap have attracted reward and criticism in equal measure since they emerged on the music scene. They grew to become concerned in authorized motion towards the UK authorities after the then Conservative administration blocked them from receiving a £15,000 funding award.That they had profitable utilized for a grant to assist UK-registered artists in international markets in December 2023.Ministers intervened to cease this, saying the group behind songs similar to Get Your Brits Out mustn’t profit from British taxpayers.Nevertheless, a courtroom listening to sided with the group and awarded them the unique quantity of £14,250.In addition to music, the band additionally launched an acclaimed movie final yr, which was nominated for six Baftas.