Latest news with #NaoiseOCaireallain
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kneecap's Glasgow gig pre-sale sells out in SECONDS after TRNSMT axe controversy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRE-SALE tickets for Kneecap's Glasgow gig were sold out in SECONDS after their TRNSMT show was cancelled. The Irish rap trio announced last night they will take to the stage at the city's O2 Academy on July 8. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Pre-sale tickets for Kneecap's Glasgow gig sold out in seconds Credit: Reuters 5 The band were axed from the Glasgow Green festival line-up over "safety concerns" Credit: Getty 5 DMKKN2 The O2 academy live music venue in the southside of Glasgow, Scotland, UK Credit: Alamy The Belfast-based band, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, were axed from the Glasgow Green festival line-up on July 11 over "safety concerns". It comes after Met Police confirmed rapper Liam Og O Hannaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. The alleged incident unfolded on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum, in Kentish Town, London. They apologised to fans following the decision, and in a bid to "try to make up for it", the band decided to put on a show at the O2 Academy. Pre-sale tickets for the gig went on sale at 10am this morning via their WhatsApp channel. And just after the sale launched, all tickets were snapped up in seconds. In a statement on X, the trio wrote: "The pre-sale sold out in 80 seconds. "New record that - remaining general sale go up Saturday 10am. These will also go in seconds. "Fair f**ks Glasgow." Kneecap are still due to feature at Glastonbury on June 28. Kneecap perform surprise gig in London hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, charged with terror offence Yesterday's announcement follows growing calls for the group to be banned from playing the Glasgow Green event. They have faced backlash after videos emerged of the self-proclaimed "Republican hoods" urging fans to "kill your local MP" and chanting "The only good Tory is a dead Tory". Kneecap said they could no longer perform at TRNSMT due to safety concerns. In a statement on Facebook, the group wrote: "Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. 5 The Irish rap trio's TRNSMT show was cancelled last night Credit: Roddy Scott 5 The band said the pre-sale tickets were sold out in 80 seconds Credit: Getty "To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands. "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. "To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th. "Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am in our WhatsApp channel. "General sale is 10am this coming Saturday." 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. "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." A spokesperson for TRNSMT 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."
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kneecap cancel TRNSMT performance due to police safety concerns
The Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap have announced they will no longer be playing TRNSMT in Glasgow in July. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Hip-hop band Kneecap will no longer play the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow in July due to police safety concerns, it has been announced. Posting on social media, the band announced the decision to cancel its TRNSMT show scheduled for July 11. Kneecap wrote: 'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are is out of our hands. '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.' Members of Kneecap, from left, Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ O'Dochartaigh (aDJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap). Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Belfast rap trio have scheduled a replacement gig at an O2 Academy in July, the band said. Police Scotland said any decision on the line-up is for TRNSMT organisers, and that no prior consultation with the force was made before acts were booked. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A police spokesman said: '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.' First Minister John Swinney last month commented on calls for Kneecap to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up after outrage over a video of the band at a 2023 gig, which appeared to show one member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Mr Swinney 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.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier this month, Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. The group, also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs, but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'. Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells said the announcement on the TRNSMT cancellation was 'both welcome and long overdue'.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kneecap declare ‘they are trying to silence us' as rapper faces terror offence charge
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 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.
Metro
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Kneecap declare 'they are trying to silence us' as rapper faces terror charge
Kneecap received a wildly positive reception as they arrived on stage at the Wide Awake festival at Brockwell Park in south London tonight. Ahead of their entrance, videos of the Irish rap trio being condemned were shown on a screen. The message 'Free Palestine' was also displayed and was met with cheers from the crowd. It comes as member Liam O'Hanna, who performs in the band along with Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, faces charges of a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag. Stepping out tonight, the performer declared that he is being 'silenced'. He told the audience: '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.' We've teamed up with SXSW London to give away two pairs of Music Festival Wristbands valid for 2-7 June 2025. Headliners include Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, Brit Award-winning artist Mabel, Crystal Castles's Alice Glass, and East London-based R&B artist NAO, plus emerging talent set to perform at showcase acts around Shoreditch. Click here to find out more about SXSW London's incredible events and how to enter to be in with a chance to win, or simply enter your details using the form below. *T&Cs apply. You have until midnight on Sunday 25th May 2025 to enter. Good luck! * Open to legal residents of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 06:01 BST on 13 May 2025 and closes at 23:59 BST on 25 May 2025. The promotion is free to enter; however internet access is required. Entrant must visit and when prompted by the form, submit their name, email, telephone number, date of birth and postcode. Acceptance of the terms and conditions (by ticking the relevant checkbox) is necessary to enter the promotion. 1 entry per person. 1 prize available per person. There will be two (2) winners. Each winner will win two (2) Full Week (6 days) Music Festival Wristbands (each such wristband worth £99) granting secondary access to Official SXSW London Music Festival showcases valid from 2 until 7 June 2025. Proof of age and photographic ID is required for entry (18+). The prize, including entry and attendance at SXSW, is subject to and governed by the SXSW's full ticket terms and conditions here. Full T&Cs apply, see here. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch recently called for Kneecap to be banned and suggested they should be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival bill this June, with a number of other politicians making the same demand. The 27-year-old rap star, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, said he believes the group are 'being made an example of'. O'Hanna continued: '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're 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.' Echoing his remarks, another member of the group said: 'Thank you very much. They tried to stop this gig.' Another was heard saying: 'Honestly, lads, you have no idea how close we were to being pulled off this gig.' Members of the trio later urged their fans to gather outside court for the first hearing of their bandmate. 'If anybody's about on June 18… we're all going to gather outside the Westminster court to show support. 'Anybody who's free on June 18, get a big bag of Ket, and we'll go on the steps of Westminster.' The incident that led to O'Hanna's charges is alleged to have happened at a concert last November. However, the Metropolitan Police said it was only made aware of video footage the following April. He is alleged to have displayed the flag of Lebanese Shia Islamist political party Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation.' O'Hanna will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Police crash Kneecap's surprise gig after rapper is charged with terror offence over 'Hezbollah flag' MORE: Kneecap vow to 'fight back' after rapper is charged with terror offence over 'Hezbollah flag' MORE: Kneecap axed from festival after footage calling for deaths of MPs resurfaces
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Kneecap release new song ahead of headline performance
Kneecap release new song ahead of headline performance The band, made up of Liam O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, thanked the "25,000 legends" who will be attending Friday night's performance, in a post on Instagram, before releasing the track Kneecap members Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ O'Dochartaigh (DJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap) (Image: PA ) Irish rap trio Kneecap have released a new song ahead of their headline performance at London's Wide Awake festival, just two days after one of their members was charged with a terror offence. The band, made up of Liam O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, thanked the "25,000 legends" who will be attending Friday night's performance, in a post on Instagram, before releasing the track. The band's post read: "Well well London heads. Some day coming up. "We've a brand new track landing in our WhatsApp channel at 1pm. "Kemi Badenoch you might wanna sit down for this one, if you've any seats left. "Then we're at Wide Awake in Brockwell Park London for a headline show to 25,000 legends tonight." Article continues below Conservative Party leader 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. In another post, the band showed a short clip of their soundcheck at the Brockwell Park festival. It comes after O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year, the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday. The band held a surprise gig at the 100 Club on Oxford Street on Thursday, 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. The rapper said: "I need to thank my lawyer he's here tonight as well." In video footage posted to YouTube, the band led the audience in a chant of "free Mo Chara" and joked about the police presence at the venue. Police said they were at the central London venue on Thursday evening to manage visitors to the sold-out event. The band said on X that the event sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. On Monday, a spokesperson for several planned music festivals due to take place in Brockwell Park in Lambeth said none will be cancelled following a High Court ruling over planning permission. Last week Rebekah Shaman, a resident in the area and a member of the Protect Brockwell Park group, successfully brought legal action against Lambeth Council over the use of parts of the park for the festivals. In a ruling last week, Mr Justice Mould said that the authority's decision to certify the planned use of the land as lawful was "irrational". Lawyers for Ms Shaman and the Protect Brockwell Park group wrote to the council following the ruling, asking it to "confirm that the event has been cancelled" and to clear any fencing or infrastructure, and stating that Brockwell Live did not have planning permission. But on Monday, a spokesperson for Brockwell Live said no events would be cancelled, with Lambeth Council confirming that the event's organisers, Summer Events Limited, had reapplied for planning permission. O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police said. In response to the charge, the group said in a social media statement: "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction. "We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? "To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. "Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. "The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it." Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event, police said. An investigation led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the charge. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". The rap trio have had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged but are still listed to headline Wide Awake. They apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been "exploited and weaponised". Kneecap also said they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK. In 2024, the band released an eponymous film, starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender, a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together, and follows the Belfast group on their mission to save their mother tongue through music. Article continues below Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English, and merchandise. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
