Latest news with #Glasgow02Academy
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Sniffer dog checks Kneecap's room before Glasgow show
The Irish rap trio performed at the O2 Academy in the Southside after being removed from the TRNSMT line-up in May. Promoters dropped the group from the July 11 event following safety concerns raised by Police Scotland. At the time, Police Scotland stated: "Any decision on the line-up at TRNSMT is for the organisers, and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. "Officers highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event." (Image: Newsquest) The controversy follows an investigation by counter-terror police into rapper Mo Chara, who is accused of terrorism offences related to allegedly holding up a Hezbollah flag on stage. The band apologised to fans and, in a bid to "try to make up for it", announced a replacement show at the O2 Academy, which sold out in just 80 seconds. Before the gig, a video posted to the band's Instagram page showed a dog being led around their dressing room. A photo shared on their Facebook page also showed a van marked with a 'search dogs' sticker. (Image: Kneecap Instagram) Kneecap addressed the incident on social media, thanking both fans and demonstrators outside the venue. They wrote: "Some scenes outside the venue for tonight's gig in Glasgow. "Hats off to the dozens of Palestine activists who've been here all day. "Buzzing to play one of our favourite cities for a show that sold out in seconds. "Your sniffer dogs are sh*te." It is understood that the dog was not a police sniffer dog and that no Police Scotland officers were involved in searching the venue. Ahead of the gig, Police Scotland confirmed that it will implement a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' to ensure public safety. A visible police presence surrounded the O2 Academy throughout the evening, with officers on patrol in the surrounding area. READ MORE: Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig Superintendent Paul Douglas 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, 2025. '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.' READ MORE: Kneecap arrive at Glasgow O2 gig in Celtic FC shirt The Glasgow Times reported that the trio arrived at the venue to a crowd of pro-Palestine demonstrators, including members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who gathered with flags outside the Gorbals-based venue. As they entered, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, was photographed wearing a retro version of Celtic FC's 1996 'bumblebee' shirt. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) Mo Chara, who is currently facing terrorism charges, was seen dressed entirely in black and waving to the crowd. Ó Cairealláin was also spotted carrying a leaflet demanding that charges against Mo Chara be dropped, and controversially calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested.
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Billie Eilish fans camp out at Glasgow's Hydro before show
The Birds of a Feather singer has been on her world tour since September last year and doors will open at 6pm tonight. Ecstatic fans piled into tents inside the red pedestrian walkway bridge over the Clydeside Expressway last night and in the early hours of this morning. The dedicated 'Eyelashers' have been lining up in the hopes of getting to the front of the sold-out crowd. The star will play two sold-out shows (Image: Archive) READ MORE: Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig The 23-year-old global superstar will kick off her UK leg of the tour in Glasgow tonight and tomorrow, before heading to London and Manchester. Casey Eve, 17, from Newcastle, shared her experience camping out in the tunnel next to the venue after arriving around half 4 in the morning. On her camping experience, Casey described it as "Tiring. Literally fell asleep in like an hour" but added, "it was actually really comfortable". When asked why she chose to camp out so early, she stated, "It's Billie Eilish. That's it, it's just Billie Eilish, isn't it really?" Casey Eve (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Billie Eilish world tour: Glasgow Hydro dates revealed Three fans – Micha Hubar, 16, from Germany; Connor Baird, 17; and Ellie Farrell, 17 – arrived at the venue around 5 AM. They all also camped out in the tunnel. Describing their camping experience, they said: "It wasn't that bad. I thought it was going to be worse." They found the tunnel "warmer there" because "it was like enclosed, so we were quite warm, it was kind of fun". Their main reason for camping out was clear: "We really want to get barricade". One passionately declared, "I would do anything for the diva." Ellie had a special hope for the night, she explained: "I made a sign. My uncle passed away a few days ago. So I made a sign, hoping she'll dedicate a song to him." Micha Hubar, 16, from Germany; Connor Baird, 17; and Ellie Farrell, 17 (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: TRNSMT food prices REVEALED including £15.50 pizza Lucy Noel (Image: Newsquest) Lucy Noel, 16, travelled from Jersey and arrived at 4am to secure a spot for her first time seeing Billie live. Her motivation for camping out was to get a prime viewing spot, she said: "I really want Barricade because she does barricade run. So that'll be fun". Eilidh Newlands, 16, from Bishopton, and Finn Loose, 17, from Renfrew, arrived at the venue around half past nine in the morning. Eilidh Newlands, 16, from Bishopton, and Finn Loose, 17, from Renfrew (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: New exhibition celebrates North Lanarkshire's rich musical heritage Finn said: "I love to queue. I feel like I get really bad FOMO if I'm not queuing. So, I need to be in the queue." "We also like meeting people even if we don't get to the barrier. "I'm just happy to be here and be hanging out with people and getting hyped for the concert. "Some of my best friends I've made while queuing. Like my whole friend group, I met at a concert I was queuing for at 8am." Eilidh added: "You make friends in such the weirdest ways and cues."
The National
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig
It comes after the rap group confirmed that they would no longer be performing at TRNSMT after "concerns expressed by police". Kneecap organised the show as a replacement, announcing it by saying: "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights, and hotels to see us play, we are sorry ... it is out of our hands. "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many, many times, with no issues – ever. "Make of that what you will. To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday, July 8." Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig (Image: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images)) Now, Police Scotland has confirmed that a plan will be in place for their show and 'a number of events and concerts' scheduled to take place this week. On the same night, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will play a joint headline show at Hampden, while Billie Eilish will play her second sold-out show at the Hydro. And there will be measures in place to ensure safety and minimise disruption, say the police. Superintendent Paul Douglas 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, 7 July, 2025. '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.' In May, Police Scotland stated that Kneecap's performance at TRNSMT – which was later cancelled – would require a "significant" police operation. A spokesperson for the force said: "Any decision on the lineup at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. "Officers have highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event. "We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival."
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig
It comes after the rap group confirmed that they would no longer be performing at TRNSMT after "concerns expressed by police". Kneecap organised the show as a replacement, announcing it by saying: "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights, and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands. "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many, many times, with no issues - ever. "Make of that what you will. To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday, July 8." Police statement ahead of Kneecap's Glasgow 02 Academy gig (Image: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images)) READ MORE: Irish hip-hop group Kneecap to play gig in Glasgow Now, Police Scotland has confirmed that a plan will be in place for their show and 'a number of events and concerts' scheduled to take place this week. Kendrick Lamar and SZA will play a joint headline show at Hampden, while Billie Eilish will play her second sold-out show at the Hydro all on the same night. And there will be measures in place to ensure safety and minimise disruption, say the Police. READ MORE: TRNSMT food prices REVEALED including £15.50 pizza Superintendent Paul Douglas 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, 7 July, 2025. '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.' In May, Police Scotland stated that Kneecap's performance at the festival - which is set to take place at Glasgow Green on July 11 - would require a 'significant' police operation. READ MORE: New plan revealed for historic Glasgow pub - here are the details A spokesperson for the force said: "Any decision on the lineup at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. "Officers have highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event. "We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival."
