Kneecap have announced they will no longer be performing at Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival after being removed from the lineup due to police concerns over safety.
The Irish rap trio confirmed the news in a statement, revealing they had been axed from the July 11th event at Glasgow Green. Police Scotland had previously indicated that allowing the group to perform would require “a significant policing operation.”
The removal follows recent controversy surrounding the Belfast group, with member Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) being charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London performance in November 2024.
The band has also faced criticism over footage from a 2023 concert that appeared to show a member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
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In response to the TRNSMT cancellation, Kneecap announced a replacement show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on July 8th. Their statement addressed fans directly: “To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands.”
The group emphasised their history of performing in Glasgow “many many times, with no issues – ever,” and later clarified: “Kneecap didn’t ‘pull out’ of TRNSMT – Kneecap were removed.”
TRNSMT promoters DF Concerts confirmed the decision, stating: “Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11th July. We thank fans for their understanding.”
Mo Chara is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18th June regarding the terror charge. The band has denied the allegation, describing it as “political policing” and “a carnival of distraction” on Instagram.
In an earlier statement shared on social media last month, they said: “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.”
