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…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 set, 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 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.”