Latest news with #TRNSMT
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Kneecap's Glastonbury controversy as band will perform despite axe calls
Kneecap will perform at Glastonbury on Saturday afternoon as they brush off the controversy surrounding them being on the lineup and calls for them to be removed Irish rap trio Kneecap will be taking to the stage at Glastonbury for their highly anticipated set this weekend, despite multiple calls for them to be axed from the lineup. The group have defiantly said they will continue to perform amid the backlash against them. It comes after bandmember Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last year. He appeared in court earlier this month, with the band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury put in doubt and calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off. However, Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will still perform on the West Holts Stage on Saturday. 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." Kneecap have dropped out of this year's TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow amid the controversy. In a statement on social media, Kneecap said: "'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." They continued: "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 and make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th." Arrest In May, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London last November. The band strongly deny the charges brought against Óg Ó hAnnaidh and said in a lengthy statement that they will "vehemently defend" themselves against what they claimed was "political policing". The court heard the 27-year-old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident is a "wholly different thing". Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "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 Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation." Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Slot in doubt Just days after Liam was charged with a terror offence, the band performed at London's Wide Awake Festival. On stage, the group admitted their set very almost got cancelled at the last minute and revealed pressure was mounting on Glastonbury to pull their slot at Worthy Farm. Liam spoke of his arrest as he told the crowd: "I had an interview with counter terrorism and within a day they charged me. And the reason it was that quick was because Glastonbury is just around the corner, they're trying to silence us." "Glastonbury is just around the corner," the group stated before claiming "they're trying to stop" them doing a similar thing to what they did at Coachella. "F**k 'em," one of the trio said to a wild applause from the crowd. At Coachella, which is often dubbed the US version of Glastonbury, the band displayed banners that read: ' Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people', 'It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes' and 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine'. Prime Minister's call Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Kneecap to be pulled from the Glastonbury line-up. Starmer was asked by The Sun if he thinks Kneecap should perform at the annual festival. He said: "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." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said she thought the BBC "should not be showing" Kneecap's performance at the festival. Badenoch said in an X post: "The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism." Kneecap replied to the Prime Minister's comments about them on social media, fuming: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f*****g genocide… solidarity with [Palestinian Action]." Petitions More than 30 "music industry individuals" are said to have signed a secret letter, calling on Kneecap's Glastonbury appearance to be pulled. DJ Toddla T claimed he had seen a 'private and confidential letter' signed by '30 individuals from within the music industry', who urged Glastonbury organisers to remove Kneecap. However, the band has received support from 100 other musicians including The Smiths' Johnny Marr who 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 joins the likes of Fontaines D.C., Lankum, The Pogues, Paul Weller, Pulp, Primal Scream and Massive Attack in showing their support to Kneecap. Glastonbury organiser defends Kneecap Glastonbury boss Emily Eavis has broken her silence surrounding controversial Irish band Kneecap. The group from Belfast hit the headlines after making pro-Palestine comments at Coachella in April after band member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig in November. Though Liam has been released on bail, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said it was "not appropriate" for the Guilty Conscience stars to perform at Glastonbury on the West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. However, giving her opinion on the divisive band, Emily, said "everyone is welcome". Talking to the BBC as the festival flung open its doors to thousands of revellers today, she was asked: "You are very used to people picking over every aspect of the lineup but the Prime Minister got involved this time, saying it wasn't appropriate for Kneecap to be playing, how have you responded to that?" Emily replied: "We haven't responded to that. At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the best festival to the people who want to come here. We're incredibly lucky that so many people want to come to Glastonbury, we have millions of people who want to come." However, she was then probed: "But it's quite a thing for the Prime Minister to comment, how did you react? How did you feel?" Looking somewhat irritated, Emily said: "I know, it is, there have been a lot of really heated topics this year, but we remain a platform for many, many artists from all over the world and, you know, everyone is welcome here."
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow is failing its music fans with shambolic public transport
There is something magical about the inclusivity of the event and it is quite honestly the most incredible music festival I have ever encountered. And it's accessible. Across Paris and the wider Île-de-France region, a special transport ticket was available for just €4.20 (around £3.50) that gave commuters unlimited access to trains, buses, trams and the Metro. Select Metro and RER (express suburban trains) were open all night to help revellers get between concerts and home safely. Oh, and did I mention every gig is free? The night-long celebration of music put Glasgow to shame. At least ScotRail decided to put on some extra late-night services to shuttle punters back to Glasgow Central after the gig. This is a nice step up considering the absolute shambles that the national rail operator caused TRNSMT-goers last summer. Tens of thousands of festival attendees were stranded on the last night of the festival (Sunday) at Glasgow Green thanks to ScotRail refusing to extend services beyond 6pm amid a dispute with workers over pay. Oh, and shocker, the Subway was not operating after 6pm either. The only time Glaswegians get a late Sunday Subway service is during the annual Christmas consumer frenzy. Our transport bosses appear to prioritise shopping over the consumption of music and cultural events. Music fans and parents of young TRNSMT attendees were rightly furious at either being stranded at the event or missing the big name acts they paid to see just to get home. Around 50,000 people attend each day of TRNSMT, many of whom are teenagers as the festival is open to those aged 16 and over. Those who had parents or guardians to pick them up were lucky, but many were stuck for a safe way to return home because of the lack of transport. TRNSMT is Scotland's largest music festival and people could not reasonably get home from it last year. Embarassing. (At the time of writing, ScotRail has remained tight-lipped about whether the firm will increase or extend its services for the TRNSMT festival, which takes place from July 11 to 13 this year.) It sends a message that political elites and transport chiefs do not place value on large scale music events. It seems like any event where people, especially young people, gather to enjoy themselves is something that authorities need to turn a blind eye to rather than accommodate. In Paris, experiencing the marriage of a comprehensive, integrated public transport system with a public, city-wide music celebration was both inspiring and bittersweet. Public transport and big events are interwoven. Huge numbers of people congregating in the same place need to be able to get to and from their destination safely, effectively, and efficiently. The local authority and the Scottish Government have a duty to people to ensure that this is a reality. The public has a right to have a good time. La Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day, was founded in 1982 by Jack Lang, then France's Minister for Culture. Inspired by musician Joel Cohen to create a large-scale public music celebration. The idea was 'music everywhere, concerts nowhere' – it is an inherently public event. And even better, it's fun. Even though it was hatched from a government department. The eighties weren't that long ago, and this is proof that politicians do not need to be so dull and serious all the time. With a little bit of creativity and motivation, we can have public events that people of all ages want to get involved in. With understandably tight local authority budgets, politicians need to be inventive. Imagine if Glasgow City Council could drum up this kind excitement for a grassroots, citywide music festival? After all, this is a big year for the city. But alas. We are stuck with poor public transport to pricey and privatised music festivals. Though I am sure we will see some hot pink Glasgow 850 posters slapped around TRNSMT next month. As an inherently free event, both to attend and participate in, the government in Paris does not directly bear the cost of La Fête de la Musique. They provide logistical support in terms of subsidized public transport and policing, but the focus is a spirit of collaboration and citizen-centred celebration. It is about the political will to make something like this happen. To see music bringing people together to let their hair down in civic spaces as a positive thing, rather than something to clutch pearls at. And if its not something the city is willing to provide for Glaswegians, at least make sure they have an affordable, reliable way to get home from the music events that are happening this summer. Which is the UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow or Paris? If you were to pose this question on a game show – wah-WAH. Paris is incorrect. It's Glasgow. So why are failing our music fans? It is utterly mortifying. Marissa MacWhirter is a columnist and feature writer at The Herald, and the editor of The Glasgow Wrap. The newsletter is curated between 5-7am each morning, bringing the best of local news to your inbox each morning without ads, clickbait, or hyperbole. Oh, and it's free. She can be found on X @marissaamayy1
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Kneecap 'hopeful' their US visa won't get revoked after terror charge
Irish rap group Kneecap have opened up about the prospect of future shows in the US following calls to axe their Glastonbury set. Kneecap made pro-Palestine statements at Coachella in April this year, causing critics like Sharon Osbourne to slam their set for 'promoting terrorist organisations or spreading hate'. Soon after, resurfaced footage of a 2024 Kneecap gig in London saw band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. Though the musician was released on bail, the band has had various performances cancelled, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, Hurricane and Southside festivals in Germany, and the Eden Project in Cornwall. But the band – which also includes Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – are 'hopeful' their US visas won't be revoked so they can perform across the pond. 'Maybe visas get revoked, you're not allowed in America again, it's not ideal – but Jesus Christ, there's people being bombed from the f*****g skies, and people being starved to death,' Ó hAnnaidh told the Guardian. 'We're in the process [of applying for new visas], hopefully it works. But if it doesn't, I can go about my day without having to worry about my next meal or my family being bombed. Visa revoked, I can get over.' The musician, also known as Mo Chara, didn't express any regret over the resurfaced videos, reiterating that the members of Kneecap play characters and their antics onstage are 'a f*****g joke.' 'It's a joke. I'm a character. S**t is thrown on stage all the time. If I'm supposed to know every f*****g thing that's thrown on stage,' he said. He continued: 'I don't know every proscribed organisation – I've got enough s**t to worry about up there. I'm thinking about my next lyric, my next joke, the next drop of a beat.' 'The point is, that wasn't an issue until we said 'Free Palestine' at Coachella,' he explained. 'That stuff happened 18 months ago, and nobody batted an eyelid. Everybody agreed it was a f*****g joke, even people that may have been in the room that didn't agree – it's a laugh, we're all having a bit of craic. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'The point is, and the context is, it all [resurfaced] because of Coachella. That's what we should be questioning, not whether I regret things.' It comes after Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis spoke out against calls to axe Kneecap's set at the festival, scheduled for Saturday on the West Holts Stage. When asked how she responds to the Prime Minister's comments that it would 'not be appropriate' for the band to perform, she said: 'We haven't responded to that. At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the best festival to the people who want to come here. More Trending 'We're incredibly lucky that so many people want to come to Glastonbury, we have millions of people who want to come.' The interviewer followed up, insisting: 'But it's quite a thing for the prime minister to comment, how did you react? How did you feel?' 'I know, it is, there have been a lot of really heated topics this year, but we remain a platform for many, many artists from all over the world and, you know, everyone is welcome here,' she said in response. Kneecap replied to the Prime Minister's comments as well, writing on social media: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f*****g genocide… solidarity with [Palestinian Action].' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Hungover at Glastonbury? The 'quick fix' cures that actually work MORE: Alternative Glastonbury 2025 performers you can't miss MORE: Glastonbury 2025 Friday live: Neil Young branded 'angry old hippie' after BBC broadcast ban
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Super comfy' Loop ear plugs are ideal for protecting hearing while at TRNSMT
'Been using these for a while now for gigs and love them. Super comfy even after a few hours. Barely noticed them being in.' With festival season starting up, many people are sorting out their outfits and making sure they have packed all their essentials so they can fully enjoy a few days of live music. However, while these events can be fun and full of memories, they can also have a negative impact on our hearing. For those who end up getting headaches from the constant ringing noise after concerts and festivals, or can become overwhelmed in loud events, investing in a set of quality ear plugs may be a purchase shoppers want to consider. Amazon is currently selling the Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs for £33.95. With TRNSMT just around the corner, the ear plugs are available in black, gold, rose and silver and can provide added hearing protection without cancelling out your favourite artist while they are on stage at Glasgow Green. Designed with live events in mind, these Loop ear plugs are ideal for will lower the volume around users without compromising the sound quality. This means that shoppers will still have a crisp and clear listening experience no matter the occasion, whether it be a concert, festival or sporting event. These ear plugs qualify as certified hearing protection and offer 17dB SNR of filtered noise reduction. Along with a carry case so users can slip the plugs in and out when needed, shoppers will be provided with four upgraded ear tip sizes so they can find the size that provides the most secure fit. To use the plugs, all shoppers need to do is pop them into their ears, twist to secure and then get on with their day. To know if the plugs are inserted correctly, they shouldn't stick out from the front. So for those who are gearing up to attend a festival, these ear plugs may just become your saving grace. Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs £33.95 Amazon Buy Now Product Description Alternatively, Amazon is also selling the Alpine Tune Earplugs. Dropping from £33.25 to £29.25, these ear plugs offer 19dB SNR to provide crystal clear audio at a safe volume. Available in six colours, shoppers will also have four oval tip sizes to choose from. For those looking for ear plugs that are designed to help with sleep, Loop Earplugs are also selling the Quiet 2 edition on their website for £19.95. With 24dB SNR of noise reduction, these plugs are made with a flexible soft-touch silicone that will bring comfort for both day and night. Back to the Experience 2 ear plugs, over 1,000 people have bought a set in the last 30 days and they currently have a 4.4 star rating from over 5,800 shoppers. Many reviewers shared their own experiences of wearing the plugs at concerts and festivals. One happy shopper said: "I am a huge music fan and I attend a lot of music gigs and festivals, ever year. I have had several different types of ear plugs, which have be good over the years. "I used these at an Interpol gig the other week and found them very easy to use; very comfortable but more importantly you could hear the singing & instruments with more clarity but without the dull noise. Even better, when leaving the gig, my ears weren't ringing like normally." With another five-star reviewer adding: "Absolutely brilliant, bought so I could hear Bryan Adams properly with nothing else, it was only when I took one out to speak to my daughter I realised how much sound was being blocked, easy to fit and to remove." However, not everyone was completely impressed by the ear plugs. One person wrote: "I think these earplugs look great but I find my own voice booms in my head making me feel a bit uncomfortable and talk too quietly to be heard by others." With another commenting about the price: "As others have said, they are quite pricey for what they are, but they are very light and do the job. Invaluable for noisy restaurants or open-plan offices." Despite this, one top reviewer wrote: "Comfortable, worked well at a recent festival and concert, I find they help to stop me getting overwhelmed by sound and give really good sound quality, focusing me on the music and not hearing that much of those around me." While another praised: "Been using these for a while now for gigs and love them. Super comfy even after a few hours. Barely noticed them being in." To buy the Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs, click HERE. 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'.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
'Easy to fold up' £14 raincoat that comes in 8 colours may be perfect for TRNSMT
A travel raincoat may be an essential item for the Glasgow festival next month as the weather remains unpredictable. Despite being near the end of June, the weather in the UK remains unpredictable, with rain, sun and thunderstorms predicted in upcoming forecasts. With many of us counting down to upcoming outdoor events, such as organised walks, concerts and festivals, it can be difficult to plan what to wear. With temperatures are by no means on the chilly side, one essential item people may want to carry around is a travel raincoat. Lightweight enough to be carried around in a bag, these handy coats will keep festival-goers dry if hit with a sudden downpour. For those considering buying one, Amazon is selling UNIQUEBELLA Travel Raincoat for £14.59, with the black edition currently down to £13.99. With shoppers praising it for being "lightweight" and able to "fold up into a handbag" it could be a must-have item for TRNSMT next month. Available in black, yellow, purple, white, khaki, orange, lemon yellow and white with grey, shoppers will be able to match this 'trendy' raincoat to their chosen festival outfit. Described as both waterproof and fashionable, the raincoat is made from a high-quality, eco-friendly and transparent EVA material. Featuring a waterproof drawstring hood and buttoned closures, this raincoat was made to keep users dry in the summer rain from head to toe. Available in sizes M, L and XL, shoppers can choose the coat that will best suit them by referring to the size guide. The raincoat is also said to be lightweight, soft and breathable, allowing wearers to move freely when worn. And once the weather clears, the jackets are quick to dry so can be neatly folded away back into a backpack or travel bag without taking up too much room. UNIQUEBELLA Travel Raincoat £14.59 Amazon Buy Now Product Description Another popular raincoat on Amazon is the 33,000ft Women's Rain Jacket. Retailing at £36.99, the jacket is available in sizes 8 to 22 and comes in 14 different colours. Described as lightweight, this jacket is made from a ripstop, high density polyester and can easily be folded into a travel bag. Alternatively, shoppers can head to Trespass and buy the Unisex Waterproof Packaway Jacket Qikpac for £29.99. Available in 12 colours and with sizes ranging from XXXS to XXXL, this jacket promises to keep shoppers dry in any weather as it features a 5000mm water resistance rating. Over 300 have bought the UNIQUEBELLA Travel Raincoat in the last 30 days, with many shoppers leaving reviews sharing how they enjoyed that the jacket was both fashionable and practical. One happy shopper wrote: "I haven't worn this raincoat out yet, but I can say that the quality is good and it's actually looks quite stylish on. I purchased the longer length and at 5'8", it covers to well below mid calf. "Ideal in very rainy weather. Hopefully it will keep me dry. It's easy to fold up as well, so should fit easily into rucksacks/ cross body bags etc; when not needed." With another five-star reviewer adding: "Covers me up completely, bought larger size so it fits easily over a jacket. Folds up small enough to fit in a handbag and always be to hand. Also it's lightweight for the summer downpours. Good value for money." However, one shopper struggled with the sizing. They said: "Unfortunately the sleeves were too short and the item isn't as transparent as it appears in the photo. "I'm 6'2' and ordered a large after reading the size chart, but the sleeves are shorter than stated. Shame because it's of a decent enough quality!" While another noted a way to improve the coat: "Would be better with pockets." Despite this, a delighted shopper said: "Purchased this as I had to have a rain coat as I had a lot of outdoor gigs and we had so much rain in 2023. It looks really trendy and everyone commented on it. Comes in a very handy clutch bag style storage which it was easy to get back into. I definitely had the coolest rain coat out of all my friends." With one more adding: "I bought this as I was going to Italy and the forecast was not good but I wanted to still look like I was on holiday as it was May after all. This was ideal as I could fold it up and put it in my bag to take out with me for when there was a sudden downpour. It kept me dry completely and equally the coat dried off pretty quick as well." To buy the UNIQUEBELLA Travel Raincoat, click HERE. 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'.
