Latest news with #LiamOhAnnaidh
STV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Replacement Kneecap gig sells out pre-sale in seconds after group axed from TRNSMT
A Kneecap gig in Glasgow announced after the band was removed from the TRNSMT line-up has sold out pre-sale in seconds. The Irish rap trio was due to perform on July 11 at the festival in Glasgow Green but were axed by organisers over 'safety concerns'. The band confirmed on Wednesday that they would not be appearing at the event despite 'playing in Glasgow many times with no issues'. Apologising to fans, they said the decision was 'out of their hands'. 'To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights, and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands', they said on social media. 'Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many, many times, with no issues – ever. Make of that what you will.' The band announced a replacement show at Glasgow's O2 Academy on July 8, with pre-sale tickets selling out in seconds on Thursday. Kneecap said on X: 'The pre-sale sold out in 80 seconds. New record that – remaining general sale goes up Saturday 10am. 'These will also go in seconds. Fair f**** Glasgow.' TRNSMT organisers DF Concerts told ticketholders: 'Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, July 11.' Police Scotland said that while decisions on the festival line-up is up to the organisers, they had 'highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience…would require a significant policing operation'. A spokesperson added: 'Any decision on the line-up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. 'Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event. 'We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival.' Calls had been made for the group's performance to be cancelled following comments made at a gig in 2023. A video of one member telling the crowd 'the only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP', surfaced after the band displayed pro-Palestine messaging during their set at Coachella festival. At the end of their performance, Kneecap projected three screens of text stating: 'Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,' followed by: 'It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes'. In the weeks since, Liam O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. Performing alongside his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, O hAnnaidh said he believed the prosecution was designed to 'silence us' and prevent them from playing Glastonbury Festival this summer. The group has been outspoken on the war on Gaza and regularly displays the message 'Free Palestine' at their shows. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Kneecap axed from Glasgow TRNSMT over 'police concerns'
On Wednesday, the Irish rap group said their appearance had been cancelled, citing "concerns expressed by the [p]olice about safety at the event". DF Concerts, which promotes the festival, also confirmed that Kneecap would no longer appear at the festival, while they have been removed from the official line-up on the TRNSMT website. The band were due to perform at Glasgow Green on July 11. In a statement on social media, the group said: "'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT' "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are is out of our hands. READ MORE: Reform UK spend thousands more on 'race-baiting' advert despite outrage "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will." The band announced a new concert at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on July 8, "to try to make up for it". The announcement came after Police Scotland said last week that allowing Kneecap to perform at the festival would require "a significant policing operation". First Minister John Swinney has also previously called for the band to be axed from TRNSMT, saying the band had "crossed the line" with comments apparently backing Hamas and calling for the death of MPs. He said at the time: "I think it makes it incredibly difficult for a band like Kneecap to perform at TRNSMT, because I think they have crossed a line. "It would be unacceptable to me for the band to perform on such a stage." Last week, one of the group's members was charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London last year. Liam O hAnnaidh (who performs under the stage name Mo Chara), was charged after footage circulated online which allegedly showed the group calling for the death of British MPs and shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Kneecap insisted they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and would not incite violence against any individual. On Wednesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Any decision on the line up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. "Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event. READ MORE: 'Incredible': Scott McTominay meets pope after Napoli victory "We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival." Promoter DF Concerts informed ticket holders that the group would no longer be performing at TRNSMT. A spokesperson said: "Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July. "We thank fans for their understanding."
STV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Kneecap axed from TRNSMT line-up over 'safety concerns'
Kneecap has been removed from the TRNSMT festival line-up over safety concerns, organisers have confirmed. The Irish rap trio was due to perform on July 11 at the festival in Glasgow Green. Sharing the news on Wednesday, the band apologised to fans and said the decision was 'out of their hands'. 'To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights, and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands', they said. 'Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many, many times, with no issues – ever. Make of that what you will.' The band has announced a replacement show at Glasgow's O2 Academy on July 8. In a statement shared with ticketholders, organisers DF Concerts said: 'Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, July 11.' Police Scotland said that while decisions on the festival line-up is up to the organisers, they had 'highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation'. A spokesperson added: 'Any decision on the line-up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked. 'Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event. 'We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival.' Calls had been made for the group's performance to be cancelled following comments made at a gig in 2023. A video of one member telling the crowd, 'the only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP', surfaced after the band displayed a pro-Palestine messaging during their set at Coachella festival. In the weeks since, Liam O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. Performing alongside his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, O hAnnaidh said he believed the prosecution was designed to 'silence us' and prevent them from playing Glastonbury Festival this summer. The group has been outspoken on the war in Gaza and regularly displays the message 'Free Palestine' at their shows. First Minister John Swinney said the band's comments were 'unacceptable'. Asked about the comments on Tory's, the SNP leader said: 'I'm not familiar with the band Kneecap, but I've become aware of their comments today. 'I think these comments are completely and utterly unacceptable and if they're performing at TRNSMT, or proposed to be performing at TRNSMT, I think the organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Kneecap singer facing terror charge tells crowd 'they're trying to silence us'
A member of Irish rap trio Kneecap said the terror charge he faces is an attempt to 'silence us' as the group appeared on stage for a gig they claimed was nearly 'pulled'. Liam O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, spoke to thousands of people in Brockwell Park, south London, as the group headlined the Wide Awake Festival on Friday. Earlier in the day they released a new song, just two days after O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. The group have been outspoken on the war in Gaza and before they emerged on stage a screen displayed the message 'Free Palestine', which was met with cheers from the crowd. Performing alongside his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, O hAnnaidh said he believed the prosecution was designed to 'silence us' and prevent them playing Glastonbury Festival this summer. He said: 'We are being made an example of, the Israeli lobbyists are trying to prove to other artists 'that if you speak out, we're going to hit you where it hurts most'. 'They're trying to cancel gigs, they trying to cancel my freedom of travel. 'And the fact that I'm speaking to this amount of people, and I assume the majority of you will agree, shows that we're on the right side of history.' PA Media Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives at the 100 Club for the rap trio's surprise gig (PA) He also told the crowd at Brockwell Park in south London: 'I went for an interview with the counter-terror police and within days they came to a verdict that they were going to charge me, never has it been that quick. 'And the reason it was that quick was because Glastonbury is just around the corner, they're trying to silence us.' One of the group said: 'Thank you very much. They tried to stop this gig.' And one was heard saying: 'Honestly lads, you have no idea how close we were to being pulled off this gig.' One of the trio thanked their fans for supporting them. Earlier, the group posted on Instagram to thank the '25,000 legends' due to attend the event. The trio have had gigs cancelled after footage emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. They apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'. But they also said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap were being investigated by counter-terrorism police. O hAnnaidh, 27, was then charged by postal requisition over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police said. On Friday night, one member was heard telling the crowd: 'If anybody's about on June 18 … we're all going to gather outside the Westminster court to show support.' One of the trio was also heard saying: 'Anybody who's free on June 18 – get a big bag of ket and we'll go on the steps of Westminster.' Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Kneecap to be banned and suggested they should be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up. A number of other politicians have made the same demand. Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was a minister. The new song, The Recap, opens with a sample of a news report about the counter-terrorism police investigation into the group, and mocks Badenoch's attempts to block their arts funding, and the Conservative Party's election loss. The song also features DJ Mozey. On Thursday, the band held a surprise gig at the 100 Club in Oxford Street, where O hAnnaidh could be seen in videos on social media arriving on stage with tape covering his mouth. He then joked about being careful about what he said, adding that he wanted to thank his lawyer. Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English, and their merchandise. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Irish Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kneecap to fans: 'Get a big bag of ket and we'll go on the steps of Westminster'
A member of Irish rap trio Kneecap said the terror charge he faces is an attempt to 'silence us' as the group appeared on stage for a gig they claimed was nearly 'pulled'. Liam O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, spoke to thousands of people in Brockwell Park, south London, as the group headlined the Wide Awake Festival on Friday. Earlier in the day, they released a new song, just two days after O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. The group have been outspoken on the war in Gaza and before they emerged on stage a screen displayed the message 'Free Palestine', which was met with cheers from the crowd. Performing alongside his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, O hAnnaidh said he believed the prosecution was designed to 'silence us' and prevent them playing Glastonbury Festival this summer. He said: 'We are being made an example of, the Israeli lobbyists are trying to prove to other artists 'that if you speak out, we're going to hit you where it hurts most'. 'They're trying to cancel gigs, they trying to cancel my freedom of travel. 'And the fact that I'm speaking to this amount of people, and I assume the majority of you will agree, shows that we're on the right side of history.' He also told the crowd at Brockwell Park in south London: 'I went for an interview with the counter-terror police and within days they came to a verdict that they were going to charge me, never has it been that quick. 'And the reason it was that quick was because Glastonbury is just around the corner, they're trying to silence us.' One of the group said: 'Thank you very much. They tried to stop this gig.' And one was heard saying: 'Honestly lads, you have no idea how close we were to being pulled off this gig.' One of the trio thanked their fans for supporting them. Earlier, the group posted on Instagram to thank the '25,000 legends' due to attend the event. The trio have had gigs cancelled after footage emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. They apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'. But they also said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap were being investigated by counter-terrorism police. O hAnnaidh, 27, was then charged by postal requisition over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police said. On Friday night, one member was heard telling the crowd: 'If anybody's about on June 18… we're all going to gather outside the Westminster court to show support.' One of the trio was also heard saying: 'Anybody who's free on June 18 – get a big bag of ket and we'll go on the steps of Westminster.' Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Kneecap to be banned and suggested they should be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up. A number of other politicians have made the same demand. Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Mrs Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 (approximately €17,000) funding award when she was a minister. The new song, The Recap, opens with a sample of a news report about the counter-terrorism police investigation into the group, and mocks Mrs Badenoch's attempts to block their arts funding, and the Conservative Party's election loss. The song also features DJ Mozey. On Thursday, the band held a surprise gig at the 100 Club in Oxford Street, where O hAnnaidh could be seen in videos on social media arriving on stage with tape covering his mouth. He then joked about being careful about what he said, adding that he wanted to thank his lawyer. Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English, and their merchandise. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
