Concert by Kneecap in Vienna called off due to security issues
Kneecap Faces Controversy and Show Cancellations Amid Political Pressure
Belfast rap trio Kneecap, known for their provocative lyrics and championing the Irish language, have found themselves embroiled in a series of controversies and show cancellations in recent months. The group, consisting of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, has been at the centre of political storms due to their outspoken stance on Palestine and Israel's actions in Gaza.
In a surprising turn of events, Kneecap was banned from entering Hungary in July, with the Sziget Festival organisers describing the decision as unprecedented, unnecessary, and regrettable. The Hungarian Government, citing concerns about the group's scheduled performance being controversial, officially denied their entry to prevent them from performing at the festival.
The group's planned show in Vienna was also cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded. The cancellation was due to acute safety concerns raised by authorities, which are believed to be linked to pressure from Austria's far-right Freedom Party. Kneecap has condemned these cancellations as a political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.
The group's troubles began earlier in the year when footage emerged showing a band member saying "Kill your local MP" at one gig and "Up Hamas, up Hizbullah" at another. In May, Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) was charged with a terrorism offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hizbullah at a London gig in November 2024. Chara, along with fellow musicians Nadine Shah and Gurriers, will attend court to support Kneecap when Chara returns on August 20th.
Despite the challenges, Kneecap has apologized to fans due to the cancellation of their show in Vienna on September 1st and has vowed to continue fighting for what is right. The group has also clarified that they have "never supported" Hamas or Hizbullah, which are banned in the UK, and have apologized to the families of murdered MPs for any distress caused.
Kneecap was previously investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but Avon and Somerset Police said in July it would be taking no further action. The group, formed in Belfast and released its first single in 2017, has had several shows cancelled in recent months, including at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and the Eden Project in Cornwall. No new information was provided about these cancellations.
The group's unwavering stance on Palestine and Israel's actions in Gaza has attracted political backlash, but Kneecap remains undeterred. They continue to use their platform to call out what they describe as "genocide and the war criminals", drawing a clear line in the sand and standing firm in their convictions.
[1] Sziget Festival organizers statement on Kneecap ban [2] The Guardian article on Kneecap's Vienna show cancellation [3] BBC News article on Kneecap's London court appearance
In the midst of political turmoil, Kneecap's performance at the general-news outlet, The Sziget Festival, was controversially banned, with the organizers expressing regret over this unprecedented decision. Amidst these show cancellations, Kneecap continues to use their platform to advocate for music that speaks out against political issues, especially their strong stance on Palestine, attracting ongoing controversy.
