Latest news with #OhAnnaidh
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kneecap 'removed' from performing at TRNSMT music festival amid police 'safety concerns'
Kneecap say they have been "removed" from playing at a music festival in Scotland this July. It comes after the organisers of TRNSMT said the group, made up of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, will "no longer perform" at the event following "safety concerns" raised by the police. Last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024. The hip hop trio from Belfast had been due to perform at the Glasgow festival on Friday, 11 July. However, in a statement posted on social media, the rappers said they will instead play their own solo headline show at the 02 Academy in the Scottish city three days before TRNSMT. The Irish language group said: "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. "To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday, 8 July." They also quoted a statement from TRNSMT, which a festival spokeswoman confirmed via email, saying: "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." Later on Wednesday, the group shared a news story on X which said they had "pulled out" and added: "Kneecap didn't 'pull out' of TRNSMT - Kneecap were removed." What have the police said? A Police Scotland spokesman 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." Kneecap member faces terror charge Last week, the Metropolitan Police charged O hAnnaidh, 27, with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. Hezbollah, an Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, is a proscribed terror organisation in the UK. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18 June. Kneecap release new song On Friday, Kneecap shared a link to their new song The Recap - which opens with Sky News presenter Wilfred Frost reporting about the counter terror police investigation - on Instagram, linking to their WhatsApp channel. Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was a minister. Ms Badenoch, who is now leader of the Conservative Party, has called for Kneecap to be banned and suggested they should be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up. Some other politicians have made the same demand. The new track mocks Ms Badenoch's attempts to block their arts funding and the Conservative Party's election loss. It features DJ Mozey.
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
Middle East Eye
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Middle East Eye
Kneecap headline festival days after member charged with terror offence
Thousands of fans turned out for Irish band Kneecap's biggest-ever headline gig in south London, just days after one of its band members was charged with a terrorism offence. Earlier this week, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah during a concert at the O2 Forum in northwest London last November. Kneecap denied the charges, describing it as 'political policing' and 'a carnival of distraction' away from Israeli aggression in Gaza. O hAnnaidh told fans at the Wide Awake Festival on Friday that UK authorities were 'trying to silence us before Glastonbury' and called on fans to be 'on the right side of history'. "I know we're out, we're enjoying ourselves and we're trying to listen to some tunes at a festival... believe me, lads, I wish I didn't have to do this," he said at the event in Brixton's Brockwell Park. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "But the world's not listening. The world needs to see solidarity of 20,000 people in a park in London chanting 'Free, free Palestine'." He added: 'Let's remember how lucky we are to be in a field with our friends and not being bombed from the sky.' More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 2023, including over 16,500 children. Gaza genocide: The West finds new language - but does nothing to stop Israel Read More » Fans were seen waving both Irish and Palestinian flags throughout the festival. At one point, the band held up a Palestinian flag on stage, while the words 'Free Palestine' were projected on a large screen behind them. More than 40 artists - including Massive Attack, Paul Weller and Fontaines DC - have previously signed a letter defending the band's creative freedom and criticising what they called "a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately de-platform the group". The terrorism charge against O hAnnaidh came shortly after footage emerged of Kneecap displaying graphics saying "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "Fuck Israel, Free Palestine" at the Coachella festival in California. Kneecap has repeatedly denied supporting Hezbollah or Hamas, which are proscribed organisations in the UK. It is a crime under British law to express support for either group. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said it would investigate videos allegedly showing members of Kneecap shouting "Up Hamas" and "Kill your local MP". The group has been widely criticised by British politicians, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson calling the video footage "completely unacceptable". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Kneecap's "anti-British hatred has no place in our society". As business secretary, she had tried to block a £14,250 ($19,294) government grant to the group, but the High Court later ruled that the decision was "unlawful and procedurally unfair". Kneecap maintains that it has never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, nor incited violence. The group argues that the video clips being circulated have been taken out of context. O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18 June.
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.
North Wales Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
‘They are trying to silence us,' Kneecap member facing terror charge tells crowd
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. Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives at the 100 Club for the rap trio's surprise gig (PA) 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.
