Organizers of the esteemed 2025 Glastonbury music festival in the U.K. revealed on Tuesday that the controversial Belfast rap collective Kneecap will retain their slot despite a whirlwind of controversy. Kneecap's confirmed appearance on the West Holts Stage on June 28 stands as a testament to their resilience, amidst political uproar demanding their exclusion following member Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh's terrorist offense charge stemming from an incident on November 21 in a north London venue.
The ensemble, comprising Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, has sparked widespread condemnation and drawn the scrutiny of the Metropolitan Police. Online videos allegedly captured Kneecap invoking the demise of British parliamentary ministers while chanting slogans supportive of Hamas and Hezbollah—actions that violate U.K. law, as Hezbollah is designated a terrorist organization within the nation's borders. Furthermore, Kneecap's political messaging about the ongoing Gaza conflict during their Coachella performance in April led to the cancellation of several of their concerts in Germany.
In response to the criticism, Kneecap issued an apology to the families of slain MPs, contending that they have been victims of "deliberate distortions and falsehoods." The band categorically denied any endorsement of Hamas or Hezbollah. Despite Glastonbury's steadfast commitment to featuring Kneecap, the group was disinvited from Scotland's TRNSMT festival, scheduled for July 11, due to police safety concerns. "In light of safety concerns voiced by the police, Kneecap regrets its inability to perform at TRNSMT," the rap collective announced on X.
Kneecap announced a replacement gig at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on July 8, which swiftly sold out. Glastonbury, set against the backdrop of Worthy Farm in Somerset from June 25 to 29, enjoys extensive coverage across BBC radio and television services, ensuring Kneecap's controversial presence will be a focal point of the festival.
