Lewis Capaldi: UK singer makes emotional return to iconic festival after tourettes struggle
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here UK singer Lewis Capaldi has made an emotional return to the iconic Glastonbury music festival after taking two years off due to his struggle with Tourette's syndrome. Tears and cheers overcame the crowd at Glastonbury when Capaldi walked onto the stage for his surprise performance on the festival's Pyramid Stage. It's the first public concert the singer has performed in two years. Tears and cheers overcame the crowd at Glastonbury when Capaldi walked onto the stage for his surprise performance on the festival's Pyramid Stage. (Getty) He last played Glastonbury in 2023, but was overcome by tics and was unable to finish singing his songs. The crowd of over 200,000 then began echoing his lyrics back to him as he stood and watched in tears from the stage. Upon his return today, he again held back tears as the crowd enthusiastically greeted him. "Glastonbury. It's so good to be back," the singer said from the stage. "I'm not going to say much up here today because if I do, I think I'll probably start crying. "But it's just amazing to be here with you all and I can't thank you all enough for coming out and coming and seeing me." Lewis Capaldi has made an emotional return to the iconic Glastonbury Music festival after taking two years off due to his struggle with tourettes syndrome. (Getty) ITV reporter Rishi Davda was in the crowd when he came on stage, telling the Today Show that Capaldi made a triumphant return. "When Lewis Capaldi's name was put up on the big screen and he walked out, it was not like anything I've ever experienced in a number of years at Glastonbury Festival," he said. "He sang every song with so much passion, but when he said that first note, you could see he was back doing what he loved. "That kind of radiated throughout the hundred thousand people potentially, that may have been watching. It was a really, really beautiful moment." Singer songwriter Lewis Capaldi walks onto the Pyramid Stage during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 27, 2025 in Glastonbury, England. Established by Michael Eavis in 1970, Glastonbury has grown into the UK's largest music festival, drawing over 200,000 fans to enjoy performances across more than 100 stages. In 2026, the festival will take a fallow year, a planned pause to allow the Worthy Farm site time to rest and recover. (P (Getty) Capaldi took a two-year break from all public performances following the Glastonbury performance in 2023 to work on his physical and mental health. His return to the stage was supposed to be a secret, but there were some hints around the festival grounds leading up to the show, including lyrics from his songs plastered on a billboard nearby. Capaldi has always been open about his struggles with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and repetitive movements and sounds, referred to as tics. music
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Belfast trio Kneecap play Glastonbury despite criticism
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Belfast trio Kneecap play Glastonbury despite criticism
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Kneecap to play at Glastonbury amid calls to ban them
Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn.
