Kneecap Unveils Major UK Tour Following Controversial Charge

Belfast-based rap trio Kneecap has announced new tour dates for what they describe as their “biggest run of shows ever” across the United Kingdom. The announcement comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the group and a recent charge against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara. In May, O hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence related to the display of a Hezbollah flag during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

The band has stated that their actions were taken out of context, asserting their right to express political views through their music. On Tuesday, Kneecap took to Instagram to share their excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “Here we go. We’re back in November across Scotland, England and Wales to play our biggest run of shows ever.” They encouraged fans to sign up for their mailing list or WhatsApp channel for early access to tickets.

Kneecap has gained notoriety for their outspoken stance on the conflict in Gaza. During their performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June, the stage was filled with Palestinian flags, showcasing their support for Palestine. The group has claimed that the recent controversies are part of a smear campaign motivated by their vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they describe as a genocide.

Their last performance at Glasgow’s O2 Academy sold out in just 80 seconds, demonstrating their strong following. Although they were scheduled to perform at the TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, that set was cancelled following police concerns regarding safety.

The upcoming tour will begin on November 14, 2024, in Bournemouth, followed by stops in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Glasgow. Notably, Kneecap will also perform at the OVO Arena Wembley in London on September 18.

In their announcement, Kneecap made a pointed remark, stating, “The Prime Minister himself can’t stop us… he could stop sending bombs to Israel but that’s another story…” This statement underscores their commitment to addressing political issues through their art.

Kneecap’s tour is expected to draw significant attention, both for their music and for the political messages they convey. As they prepare to hit the road, the group’s supporters eagerly await the chance to see them perform live, while the controversy surrounding their actions continues to spark debate.