First Minister says it would be 'unacceptable' for Kneecap to play at TRNSMT
First Minister John Swinney believes Kneecap playing at TRNSMT this summer would be "unacceptable".
The Irish rap collective are known for their outspoken political views, displaying a banner reading "free Palestine, f*** Israel" at the Coachella Festival.
Videos emerged late last week of Kneecap urging fans to "kill your local MP", alongside a clip from a 2023 concert where the trio said "the only good Tory is a dead Tory".
Speaking to reporters at the STUC conference, Mr Swinney said: "The language that you have put to me is completely and utterly unacceptable.
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"There is no way that is acceptable in a debate about free speech, it's completely beyond the pale.
"I think that makes it incredibly difficult for a band like Kneecap to perform at TRNSMT, I think they have crossed a line to be honest.
"It would be unacceptable, for me, for the band to perform on such a stage given that their comments are so far beyond the pale.
"I'm not very familiar with this group, but what I've heard of their comments I find completely and utterly unacceptable, so I cannot see how they can perform at TRNSMT.
"We don't run the TRNSMT festival, but my opinion, for what it's worth, is that these comments just are unacceptable.
"They cause division in our society, they cause a lot of unease, and I think TRNSMT will want to respond to that."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We have been working closely with partners and the event organiser over several months to maximise the safety of everyone who is attending TRNSMT.'
The group said on Friday: "Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people — we have faced a coordinated smear campaign. For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes.
"The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.
"Let us be absolutely clear. The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple — we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter.
"They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide. We do not give a f*ck what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes — and we will not stay silent.
"No media spin will change this. Our only concern is the Palestinian people — the 20,000 murdered children and counting. The young people at our gigs see through the lies.
"They stand on the side of humanity and justice. And that gives us great hope."
DF Concerts, the organiser of TRNSMT, has been approached for comment.
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