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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Glasgow Kneecap fans label TRNSMT axe 'disgusting' as trio play sold out gig
"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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. "People don't like hearing the truth.' TRNSMT cancelled Kneecap's performance at the end of May over safety concerns from Police Scotland. 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. 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Kneecap fans at Glasgow O2 Academy gig slam TRNSMT axe
KNEECAP are set to take to the O2 Academy stage in Glasgow tonight after their controversial axing from TRNSMT. The trio—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí—were originally scheduled to headline the King Tut's stage at TRNSMT 2025, but were dropped from the line-up in May after Police Scotland raised safety concerns. In response, the group announced a headline show tonight, July 8, which was sold out within just 80 seconds. We spoke to fans in the queue outside the Southside venue to ask them if they thought the controversial rappers should have been allowed to play at the festival. Kneecap fans at Glasgow O2 Academy gig slam TRNSMT axe (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Kneecap member arrives at sold-out Glasgow gig in retro Celtic shirt Laura Pentleton, 18, from Ardrossan (Image: Newsquest) Laura Pentleton, 18, from Ardrossan, was "buzzing" for the show, she said: "I think they should have been allowed to play." "I think if there are bands going about on the same weekend talking about what they believe in, I think Kneecap should be able to do the same." Dee Maxwell, 35, and Kiara McGuiness also thought the band should've played on the stage at Glasgow Green this weekend. They said: "Yeah, definitely 100%." "It's freedom of speech at the end of the day, and telling somebody not to play. "It's just taking the freedom of speech away." Dee Maxwell and Kiara McGuiness (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: TRNSMT 2025: Stage times revealed for this weekend's festival takeover in Glasgow It'll be the third time seeing the band for Taylor Davidson from Greenock, who anticipates this show being "special." The 24-year-old was also in support of the band, she said: "Absolutely. They should have been allowed to play. "I think what we're seeing now is an attempt of censorship of free speech and we're very see we're very quickly seeing ourselves becoming a police state of what you're allowed to say when you're allowed to say it. "So absolutely they should have been allowed to play." Taylor Davidson (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Police statement ahead of Kneecap's O2 Academy show after TRNMST drop The band was seen arriving at the venue amidst a crowd of pro-Palestine demonstrators, including members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, waving 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. Mo Chara, who is currently facing terror offence charges, was seen waving to the crowd dressed entirely in black. Ó Cairealláin was seen carrying a leaflet calling for the charges against Mo Chara to be dropped and controversially calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested. Móglaí Bap, was photographed wearing a retro version of Celtic FC's 1996 bumblebee shirt. (Image: PA/Andrew Milligan) READ MORE: ScotRail warning to TRNSMT travellers ahead of festival The Glasgow Times reported yesterday that 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. 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.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Kneecap arrive at sold-out O2 Academy Glasgow gig after TRNSMT axe
Kneecap are due to play at Glasgow's O2 Academy tonight after TRNSMT bosses removed them from the festival over safety concerns. Irish rap group Kneecap have arrived at a sold-out O2 Academy gig in Glasgow tonight after they were axed from TRNSMT over safety fears. The group, made up of Mo Chara - who was recently charged with a terror offence - Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, were originally billed to headline the King Tut's stage on Friday at the TRNSMT Festival, however they were dropped from the lineup at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland. The trio were then booked to headline the city's O2 Academy instead for July 8 tonight, as they did not want to disappoint their fans who hoped to see them perform in the city - with the show selling out in 80 seconds. The band has now arrived at the Gorbals' venue amidst a sea of Palestine flags from Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaigners. Pictures showed Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, entering the building wearing a retro-remake version of Celtic's iconic 1996 bumblebee shirt. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, was pictured waving at the audience while decked out in black. While being ushered into the venue, Naoise Ó Cairealláin can be seen carrying a leaflet calling for the charges against his bandmate to be dropped and for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested. Mo Chara caused controversy recently after he was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. He appeared in court last month as a result. 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, the band has branded the case against the musician as a "witch hunt". Police also said they are investigating Kneecap's Sunday performance at Glastonbury, after their set was filled with expletives and calls to "free Palestine" and "f*** Keir Starmer". However, the band pointed out that they did not call for a riot to take place. Police said they are monitoring footage from the stage. Avon and Somerset Police posted on X: "We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon. "Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation." Kneecap performed at Glastonbury despite TRNSMT bosses axing them from the Glasgow festival, with the BBC choosing not to broadcast their Glastonbury set live. DF concerts made the decision to remove the rappers from the TRNSMT line-up after police raised safety concerns. Days after this, Kneecap took to social media to inform fans of the festival's decision. They wrote: "Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. 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." There are three other artists - Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and SZA - who are also set to perform at various locations across Glasgow tonight, and Police Scotland intend to keep everyone safe throughout all three gigs, including Kneecap's performance. Superintendent Paul Douglas stated: "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," he continued. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Irish Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Kneecap to play main stage at Electric Picnic in August
Belfast rap group Kneecap have been revealed as part of the line up for this year's Electric Picnic . The group – Mo Chara , Móglaí Bap , and DJ Próvaí – made the announcement on their social platforms on Monday, days after their widely anticipated and controversial appearance at Glastonbury Festival . They join an Electric Picnic line up that includes headliners Chappell Roan, Hozier, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim and Kings of Leon. The rap trio, who performed at Stradbally last year on the Electric Arena stage, will be on the main stage this time round. READ MORE At Glastonbury, access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before Kneecap's performance after thousands of fans arrived forming a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. The group led crowds in chants of 'f**k Keir Starmer' on Saturday during their set at the English festival with police saying video footage was being assessed to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation. It comes as Metropolitan Police decided not to prosecute the band over the comments made at a concert in November 2023 . The rap trio have been consistently in headlines since their Coachella performance in April when they faced American backlash over their comments about Gaza during the gig. A number of Kneecap's gigs were cancelled after Coachella, with UK ministers, including prime minister Keir Starmer, speaking out against the group's appearance at Glastonbury. Electric Picnic 2025, which takes place from August 29th to 31st, is sold out after the last batch of tickets went on sale in April.
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'This is going to be a special one': Kneecap to play Electric Picnic main stage
Irish rap trio Kneecap have announced they will perform on the main stage at Electric Picnic this August. The festival, which takes place from August 29-31 at Stradbally Estate, confirmed the addition. "This is going to be a special one," EP posted on social media. It comes after the group, which consists of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí, performed at Glastonbury over the weekend. British police said on Saturday that they are assessing videos of comments made by the Belfast rap trio, as well as punk duo Bob Vylan, during their performances at the Glastonbury Festival. Bobby Vylan, of Bob Vylan, led crowds on the festival's West Holts Stage in chants of 'death, death to the IDF', before a member of rap trio Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, and led the crowd on chants of 'f*** Keir Starmer'. Kneecap performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence and British Prime Minister Starmer had criticised their inclusion in the festival. News broadcasts criticising the hip hop trio played from the sound system before they walked onto the stage were booed by the Glastonbury Festival audience. The trio opened with the song Better Way To Live from their 2024 album Fine Art and also performed tracks including Get Your Brits Out and Hood. The group are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise, as well as their championing of the Irish language and support for Palestine. Headline acts appearing at Electric Picnic this year include Chappell Roan and Hozier. Read More Kate Nash says she would love to collaborate with Kneecap
