Glasgow Kneecap fans label TRNSMT axe 'disgusting' as trio play sold out gig

Daily Record

2 days ago

"It's not like they're saying anything that's wrong, everything they're saying is absolutely correct. People don't like hearing the truth."
Fans at Kneecap's Glasgow gig have rallied around the Irish rap group, labelling it "disgusting" that the trio were axed by TRNSMT.
The rappers were originally billed to headline the King Tut's stage on Friday at the TRNSMT Festival, however the group, made up of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara - who is accused of terrorism offences related to a Hezbollah flag he allegedly held up on stage - and DJ Próvaí, were dropped from the line-up at the end of May over Police Scotland safety concerns.
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Instead, Kneecap were booked to headline the city's O2 Academy tonight, to not disappoint their fans who hoped to see them perform in the city - with the show selling out in 80 seconds.
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The three members of Kneecap arrived at the O2 Academy in Glasgow this evening greeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators waving flags. The rap group, who perform in English and Irish, have been outspoken critics of the war in Gaza and claim the prosecution is linked to their views on Palestine.
Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, entered the building wearing a retro-remake version of Celtic's iconic 1996 bumblebee shirt. While being ushered into the venue, he could be seen carrying a leaflet calling for the charges against his bandmate to be dropped and for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested.
A number of fans and demonstrators spoke outside the venue about their support for Kneecap, often declining to give their surnames.
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One called Meghan said she and her friend Amy had originally planned to go to TRNSMT before deciding to go to the Kneecap gig instead.
She said it was 'disgusting' the band had been dropped from the line-up, adding: 'I think people are just scared for them to express proper problems in the world. They just want to shy away from it whereas Kneecap just come out and say it like it is.'
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Pro-Palestinian protester Naomi added: 'We're of the opinion the establishment is so under threat, they're having to look to ridiculous means to try and silence outspoken voices. We applaud Kneecap.'
Cat Train, of the group Mothers against Genocide, said: 'They've been cancelled by money, haven't they? They've been cancelled by capitalism. So whoever booked them to play the O2 did absolutely the right thing.'
Another fan called Asha, who has been to see the group 11 times, noted: 'It's not like they're saying anything that's wrong, everything they're saying is absolutely correct.
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"People don't like hearing the truth.'
TRNSMT cancelled Kneecap's performance at the end of May over safety concerns from Police Scotland.
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The police force said it has a 'proportionate and considered policing plan ' ahead of the Glasgow gig.
In May, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney called for TRNSMT to cancel the performance on July 11, saying that 'organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue'.
O hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18.
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The furore led to calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for Glastonbury to cancel a performance from the Belfast rappers on June 28, which the festival organisers did not do.
As well as Kneecap's sold-out gig, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar are also performing in Glasgow today.
Superintendent Paul Douglas of Police Scotland said: 'We are aware of a number of events and concerts due to take place in the Greater Glasgow area in the week beginning Monday July 7.
'A proportionate and considered policing plan is in place within the city and we are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure the safety of all those attending these events and where possible minimise disruption to the people of Glasgow.'
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