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The Journal
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Inside and outside the Kneecap courtroom: Film directors, The Fields of Athenry, and a few police
Rónán Duffy reports from London The Journal / YouTube MARYLEBONE ROAD IN central London is a busy thoroughfare on any morning, but today a section of it was completely thronged, thanks to Kneecap's ability to draw an audience. The crowd was noisy and numbered in several hundred – but confined as it was to the path and the area immediately outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, from within it, it felt like more. There was some pushing, given the numbers and the tight space available. A small but visible police presence prevented the protest from spilling over onto rush hour traffic. Around the corner, there was a much larger fleet of police vans, presumably on standby, but the full contingent was not required or deployed. 'Spancil Hill' and 'The Fields of Athenry' Outside the court building, there was even a stage erected to provide the tunes. 'Spancil Hill' and 'The Fields of Athenry' got an airing before the mic was handed to high-profile solicitor Darragh Mackin, once the legal business of the day was done. Kneecap's Moglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) also addressed the crowd and attendant media to big up the band's upcoming – and, in the UK, controversial – performance at Glastonbury. 'For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine. Smoke bombs were let off as Kneecap exited the court. TheJournal TheJournal The man of the moment, Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), did not speak outside, speaking only briefly inside the court to confirm his identity . Inside the packed courtroom, such was the number of journalists that media spilled over from the press benches to the public gallery, there were no spare seats once the hearing began. Also in the public gallery were Mo Chara's bandmates and their manager, Daniel Lambert, who were seated with film director Trevor Birney, who produced the Kneecap film. Film director Jim Sheridan was also in the public gallery. Speaking to The Journal , Sheridan said he 'knows the lads', meaning Kneecap, after attending their gigs and meeting them at the Irish Film and Television Awards. Sheridan directed In The Name of the Father, about the Guildford Four miscarriage of justice, which featured Emma Thompson as human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce. Peirce is now a member of Kneecap's legal team and Sheridan said that knows her too. The Journal / YouTube Ó hÁnnaidh is being prosecuted under the anglicised name O'Hanna and chief magistrate Paul Goldspring referenced Ó hAnnaidh's Irish name. Goldspring said that unsuccessful attempts were made to have an Irish language interpreter present in court today but that 'we'll try and sort one' for the next court date on 20 August. Ó hAnnaidh's team confirmed that he speaks English but said it's his second language, and they therefore formally requested an interpreter for the next hearing. Northern Ireland-based Irish-language coalition An Dream Dearg had members both inside and outside the courtroom supporting Mo Chara. The hearing was delayed by almost an hour such was the chaos that greeted the band's arrival. Ó hAnnaidh arriving at court today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A van emblazoned with the words 'More blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara' did laps of the area, drawing cheers each time it passed by. The arrival of Kneecap was heralded by a post on their Instagram stories which said they were '20 mins away a chairde Gael'. Given the traffic and general madness of the entire scene the band arrived bang on 10am and had to force their way through the crowd of protesters and media to the glass doors of the court building. Mo Chara was wearing a keffiyeh scarf around his neck and dark sunglasses. Advertisement The third member of the band, DJ Provaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), was wearing his trademark tricolour balaclava and was able to wear the balaclava inside the court building for a number of minutes before a member of security told him he would have to remove it to walk through the metal detectors. About 20 people spilled into the building along with Kneecap, while about 50 more were content with staying in the narrow foyer between the metal detectors and the doors. The scene outside the courthouse as Mo Chara arrived. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The Met Police inside the building kept a distance from the scrum, although they reminded supporters that there was strictly no photography allowed inside the building. The actual hearing lasted about 15 minutes and was adjourned until 20 August, when both sides will present arguments relating to a dispute over the jurisdiction of the court. The dispute relates to the time period between the date of the alleged offence on 21 November 2024 and Ó hAnnaidh being charged in May 2025. Brenda Campbell, for Ó hAnnaidh, said his team would be arguing that the charge was brought outside the six-month limit and that if this is found to be the case the prosecution would fall. The judge agreed that this would be the case should the defence win the argument on the disputed dates. During the hearing, the allegations against Ó hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: 'It's not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Outside Rónán Duffy / X (Formerly Twitter) After the hearing, Kneecap emerged from the courthouse when Mackin took to the makeshift stage. There, Mackin framed the case as one about freedom of expression. 'Oppression fears the freedom of expression, but the reality is Kneecap will stand up for freedom of expression and defend not only their rights but the rights of artists all around the world,' he said. Do not be afraid, we are on the right side of history. Fifty-one people were shot an killed yesterday in Gaza as they queued for flour. 'If the British government had any sense of history, they will know they have already lost.' Many people present at today's protest expressed similar sentiments, saying the case was about the right to freedom of expression and freedom to protest. Several referenced the fact that while Mo Chara is getting significant publicity for the charges he is facing, other pro-Palestine protesters are facing similar charges – and are being held on remand in some cases. Pepper, from Essex, attended the protest with her friend Kiki. 'It's really important to protect the right to free speech and standing up against the genocide in Palestine, especially with the pro-Palestine prisoners right now. 'Activists in general are getting criminalised and called terrorists for no reason. Meanwhile, the UK government is getting away with so much, so many war crimes. They're complicit and actively participating in the genocide,' Kiki said. Kiki and Pepper from Essex. The Journal The Journal Pepper, said they were both fans of Kneecap and had been to see them at the Wide Awake Festival in London a few weeks ago. 'We wanted to be here to not let Mo Chara go down quietly or let this slip under the radar, because that's not fair. 'It is completely hypocritical, considering all the time, effort, and money that's going into it. I'm really happy everyone showed up today to make an example of how ridiculous it is, and to highlight what we really need to be focusing on,' she said. Andrea Torrejon, originally from Spain but now living in the UK, said Kneecap were targeted after they spoke out at Coachella and people then 'dug up' clips from a concert months before. 'I think the fact is they were trying to bring up stuff that happened last year, just because they dared to speak out at a concert, a concert where other people also spoke out,' she said. 'They went through Twitter, they went through everything. It makes no sense, and it's really worrying not just for them, but for everyone.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Reality show winner and pop star ‘unveiled' as mysterious masked performer President ahead of Download Festival slot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE identity of a mysterious mask-wearing performer who leads new band President has been revealed ahead of its Download Festival performance tomorrow afternoon. The hard-rocking act launched its presidential campaign out of the blue earlier this year with a series of cryptic social media posts. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 President is playing a 30 minute set at Download tomorrow afternoon Credit: Instagram More recently the band announced its first rally (headline gig) is taking place on July 30 at The Garage, London. It quickly sold out. Two crushing singles, In The Name of the Father and Fearless, are aural manifestos, acting as a rallying cry for rock and metal lovers to pledge allegiance. Speculation over President's identity has been rife ever since the first images of its frontman wearing a creepy rubber mask went public. A place on the Download Festival bill before a physical release indicated the band's members had some gravitas in the industry. The consensus is that the singer Busted frontman Charlie Simpson. President's songs bear a striking resemblance to Charlie's trademark gravelly vocals, particularly from his time leading Fightstar in the early noughties. That band reunited last year for a sellout gig at Wembley Arena to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Charlie won The Masked Singer disguised as a Rhino in 2023, and it seems the experience has inspired him to launch a more serious masked side project. Not only that, but fans have spotted a gap in the front teeth of the singer, which Charlie is known to have. Beyond the vocal and facial similarities, though, is the fact that the trademark for President's music on Spotify belongs to King of Terror. The Masked Singer crowns Charlie Simpson winner as Rhino revealed The sole director for that firm on Companies House is one Charles Robert Simpson, while documents show his wife Anna holds 50 percent share stake in the business. Though the mystery may be solved, the concept is still creative and refreshing. Faceless acts aren't particularly unusual in modern rock - Ghost have been doing it ghoulishly well for years and Download headliners Sleep Token are currently the genre's biggest poster boys - but President's committal to its theme remains intriguing. And mystery still surrounds the remaining members of the group with former Bring Me The Horizon star Jordan Fish and members of Sleep Token and Bullet For My Valentine tipped to be involved. If you're at Download this weekend check them out on the Dogtooth Stage at 4.25pm tomorrow. 4 It appears Charlie Simpson is the man behind the President mask Credit: Getty 4 Charlies is best known for his work in Busted with James Bourne and Matt Willis Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Reality show winner and pop star ‘unveiled' as mysterious masked performer President ahead of Download Festival slot
THE identity of a mysterious mask-wearing performer who leads new band President has been revealed ahead of its Download Festival performance tomorrow afternoon. The hard-rocking act launched its presidential campaign out of the blue earlier this year with a series of cryptic social media posts. 4 President is playing a 30 minute set at Download tomorrow afternoon Credit: Instagram More recently the band announced its first rally (headline gig) is taking place on July 30 at The Garage, London. It quickly sold out. Two crushing singles, In The Name of the Father and Fearless, are aural manifestos, acting as a rallying cry for rock and metal lovers to pledge allegiance. Speculation over President's identity has been rife ever since the first images of its frontman wearing a creepy rubber mask went public. A place on the Download Festival bill before a physical release indicated the band's members had some gravitas in the industry. READ MORE ON CHARLIE SIMPSON The consensus is that the singer Busted frontman Charlie Simpson. President's songs bear a striking resemblance to Charlie's trademark gravelly vocals, particularly from his time leading Fightstar in the early noughties. That band reunited last year for a sellout gig at Wembley Arena to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Most read in Music Not only that, but fans have spotted a gap in the front teeth of the singer, which Charlie is known to have. Beyond the vocal and facial similarities, though, is the fact that the trademark for President's music on Spotify belongs to King of Terror. The Masked Singer crowns Charlie Simpson winner as Rhino revealed The sole director for that firm on Companies House is one Charles Robert Simpson, while documents show his wife Anna holds 50 percent share stake in the busines s. Though the mystery may be solved, the concept is still creative and refreshing. Faceless acts aren't particularly unusual in modern rock - Ghost have been doing it ghoulishly well for years and Download headliners Sleep Token are currently the genre's biggest poster boys - but President's committal to its theme remains intriguing. And mystery still surrounds the remaining members of the group with former Bring Me The Horizon star Jordan Fish and members of Sleep Token and Bullet For My Valentine tipped to be involved. If you're at Download this weekend check them out on the Dogtooth Stage at 4.25pm tomorrow. 4 It appears Charlie Simpson is the man behind the President mask Credit: Getty 4 Charlies is best known for his work in Busted with James Bourne and Matt Willis Credit: Getty 4 Was President inspired by his time on The Masked Singer? Credit: ITV
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Download Festival 2025: Who is PRESIDENT and what time are they playing at Download?
Are we familiar with PRESIDENT already, ahead of their festival debut at Download 2025? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The mysteries ahead of Download Festival 2025 continue as speculation mounts who are, or is, PRESIDENT. With a show in London on July 30 2025 ahead of their festival debut, the line-up for the band remains unknown. However, some fans are almost certain it's one of the UK's most popular power-pop band members from the '00s. It's one of the mysteries surrounding Download Festival 2025, right up there with who might perform a secret set and this year's drink prices. But since the line up announcement and the recent release of the timetable for this year's metal festival at Castle Donnington, one name has truly captured fans' attention: PRESIDENT . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fans think that this 00s power-pop member could be the person behind Download Festival's mystery act, PRESIDENT. | Provided With a press image showing a masked figure with their face in their palms, and a rather solemn Facebook presence following only four artists – The Cure , Deftones , Underoath , and Mogwai – this act is currently the talk of Download Festival. Adding to the intrigue, the group released their first single, In The Name of the Father , on May 15, 2025. So, one eye is firmly on the UK singles chart this week, while the other is searching for clues about the act's identity. And of course, the internet has put on its investigative hat and is almost certain it knows who PRESIDENT is, or at least who one of the members could be. Most fans think that, based on the image presented, that the main person fronting PRESIDENT is none other than Charlie Simpson - known for his time in Busted and Fightstar . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Aside from the image, there are other hints that come from the bands that PRESIDENT follow on Facebook; all acts that at one stage Simpson has referenced as an influence on his song-writing style. For example, Fightstar has covered The Cure's In Between Days with Simpson stating that the group have been a huge influence on him from a very young age, and covering their song was a tribute. Simpsons has also repeatedly cited Deftones (particularly Chino Moreno's vocals and Around the Fur) as a massive inspiration, shaping his approach to combining aggressive and melodic vocals. Fightstar has even covered Deftones' Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) multiple times live, as noted on . What time are PRESIDENT performing at Download Festival 2025? PRESIDENT is scheduled to perform at Download Festival 2025 on June 15th, at 4:25 PM on The Dogtooth Stage. Who do you think are the minds, or the mind, behind PRESIDENT and do you think it is the member of Busted and Fightstar? Let us know your theories by leaving a comment down below.
