Outspoken Irish language group Kneecap have hit the headlines for member Mo Chara’s recent court case after he was investigated by counter terrorism police for supporting Palestine
Irish rap group Kneecap are ‘not likely’ to have their upcoming Glastonbury performance shown on the BBC, following controversy over band member Mo Chara’s court case this week. Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024.
The 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18, while supporters and musicians, including Paul Weller, gathered outside. The charge related to an incident after the band’s O2 Forum show in Kentish Town, London.
However Kneecap branded the case against their bandmate as a “witch hunt” in a post on X after they were investigated by counter-terrorism police in May for videos allegedly showing Liam saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”. Meanwhile, hundreds of protestors held placards reading “Free Mo Chara”, and “Defend Kneecap,” while respected musicians showed public support for the band.
The band’s slot at Glastonbury was also under scrutiny, but with the rapper bailed until later in the summer, the show will go on ahead of this weekend’s festival. Speaking from Westminster, he told fans: “For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.
“If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We’ll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine.”
Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer has waded into the situation, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. When asked by the Sun whether the band should play the festival, he replied: “No, I don’t.
“I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
However, they are still scheduled to play the West Holts stage on Saturday – but as for whether they will be on the BBC, it’s not looking likely and there are no listings suggesting they will be. BBC’s TV coverage of Glastonbury will start on BBC Two at 5pm, with Kneecap scheduled for 4pm-5pm, just before the broadcast is due to start/
Although iPlayer coverage is available throughout, with highlights shown each day in the evenings on BBC One – the band are also not listed for either platform. The BBC’s schedule is finalised and can be changed up nto and even during the festival, but so far, there is no sign of Kneecap.
A BBC spokesperson told Yahoo UK: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”
Recently, campaign group Love Music Hate Racism, Primal Scream and Toddla T, husband of former Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, slammed their upcoming performance in an open letter. More than 30 “music industry individuals” are purported to have signed the plea, calling on Kneecap’s Glasto appearance to be pulled.
The Smiths’ Johnny Marr joined the group’s growing list of supporters ahead of Óg Ó hAnnaidh court date. In a statement shared on social media, the iconic guitarist said he respects artists “who use their platform to speak out against injustice” and called for an “end to the atrocities and a free Palestine.”
He signed off his impassioned letter: “Oppression fears artistic expression. I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give voice to the voiceless. I stand with my audience and fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine. Johnny Marr.”
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