Latest news with #O2Forum
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Kneecap's Glastonbury set being probed by police over gig controversy
Kneecap 's highly anticipated performance at Glastonbury is being investigated by police after they appeared on stage on Saturday afternoon amid calls for them to be axed. Police have said they are investigating Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury on Saturday afternoon. The Irish rap trio took to the stage at 4pm where they were met by a packed out crowd following Bob Vylan's set. Kneecap's set was filled with expletives and calls to "free Palestine" and "f*** Keir Starmer" but the band pointed out that they did not call for a riot to take place. However, police have now 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." Before the band had even taken to the stage, Glastonbury bosses were forced to shut the area down as too many people had flocked to see them. It came as a blow for those who wanted to catch the trio perform as their set is not being shown on the BBC. The gig is not being streamed live but an on-demand version will be available. A BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. "We don't always live stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets." Glastonbury bosses even warned fans before the performance that large crowds were to be expected. They sent out a crowd warning as they named a list of artists who they think will draw in the biggest crowds. Bosses told festival goers: "Kneecap will draw a large audience for their 4pm West Holts show. If you're not planning to see them, please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity and we need to close it as part of our crowd planning measures." Band member Mo Chara's caused controversy recently after he was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. Real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, he appeared in court last week 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". The band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury was put in doubt and they faced calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off the line up. However, Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, were still able to perform and speaking at court, the band said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on Saturday. If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap shares powerful message ahead of Glastonbury gig that BBC won't show
Irish band Kneecap have shared a powerful message in the build-up to their Glastonbury set. While the rap group will be taking to the stage at the iconic festival, their set will not be shown live on the BBC following the fallout from their political gestures at previous shows. Now, the group has shared a short film calling for urgent attention to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Taking to Instagram, they shared the video which opened with a public service announcement graphic that reads: "Please pay attention," in the opening credits. They then read a statement condemning genocide as they draw from sources including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The Lancet, and multiple UN agencies. The words are accompanied by a series of animated illustrations on screen, while as well as interviews with doctors and activists. In the caption for the upload, the group wrote: "Kneecap is not the story. Genocide in Gaza is. "See it. Say it. Censored.' is an artist-led alternative PSA presented by kneecap that demands urgent action to stop the genocide unfolding in Gaza."Created by a coalition of artists and powered by the testimony of medics and activists, the film builds on reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and UN agencies, to lay out the facts and call for vital action: STOP THE GENOCIDE." The upload comes a day after it was announced the outspoken group's Glastonbury set is unlikely to be broadcast live on BBC. There were also calls to pull the act. It comes 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. 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 had branded the case against the musician as 'witch hunt'. They made the calim in a post shared on Twitter/X after they were investigated by counter-terrorism police in May for videos allegedly showing Liam saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". Meanwhile, hundreds of people protesting held up placards that read "Free Mo Chara", and "Defend Kneecap". The group was also backed by respected musicians, who also showed public support for the band. The controversial slot at Glastonbury was also under scrutiny. However, with the rapper bailed until later in the summer, the show has been able to go ahead, much to the delight of many fans. Speaking from Westminster, he told fans: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's Glasto performance 'won't be broadcast live on BBC' after calls to axe
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."
Leader Live
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Kneecap receive rockstar reception after terrorism charge court hearing
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in 'Free Mo Chara' T-shirts at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Dozens surged around the entrance of the court building as they made their way inside, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the Belfast trio. O hAnnaidh was charged last month after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. The court heard the 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a 'wholly different thing'. After the brief hearing concluded, the defendant exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. During the hearing, the allegations against O hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: 'It's not about Mr O hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. 'Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. 'So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. Hundreds of fans, along with journalists, crammed against the doors of the court building as they waited for the performer to leave. Outside court following the hearing, O hAnnaidh's bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the huge crowds in chants of 'Free Palestine'. Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: '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.' O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Rhyl Journal
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Kneecap receive rockstar reception after terrorism charge court hearing
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in 'Free Mo Chara' T-shirts at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Dozens surged around the entrance of the court building as they made their way inside, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the Belfast trio. O hAnnaidh was charged last month after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. The court heard the 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a 'wholly different thing'. After the brief hearing concluded, the defendant exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister. During the hearing, the allegations against O hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: 'It's not about Mr O hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. 'Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. 'So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. Hundreds of fans, along with journalists, crammed against the doors of the court building as they waited for the performer to leave. Outside court following the hearing, O hAnnaidh's bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the huge crowds in chants of 'Free Palestine'. Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: '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.' O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
