Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has pulled out of the upcoming TRNSMT Festival after calls for their removal from the event lineup. The Belfast-based trio was scheduled to perform at Glasgow Green in July. However, recent events involving band member Liam O’Hanna have changed those plans.
Liam O’Hanna, 27, also known as Mo Chara, faces charges from the Metropolitan Police. He is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a concert. Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organization in the UK. The incident reportedly took place on November 21, 2023, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Following this, Kneecap will now perform at the O2 Academy on Tuesday, July 8. This is the same week they were originally set to appear at TRNSMT, according to the Mirror.
Kneecap addressed the situation on social media. They said: “Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT.” The band apologized to fans who bought tickets, flights, and hotels to see them. They added, “It is out of our hands.”
The group also said Glasgow has always been important to them. They have performed there many times without any issues. To make up for the cancellation, they announced their O2 Academy show on July 8. Pre-sale tickets will be available through their WhatsApp channel, and general sale will start on Saturday at 10 a.m.
A Police Scotland spokesperson told the Scottish Sun: “Any decisions about the TRNSMT lineup are made by the organisers. Police Scotland was not consulted before acts were booked.” The spokesperson added that the police warned organisers that the band’s presence could cause a strong reaction from the crowd. This would require a large police operation to keep the event safe. Police also shared safety concerns reported by the public to help organisers decide.
This news comes after Liam O’Hanna was charged over the alleged November 2023 incident. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
At the time of the charge, the Metropolitan Police said: “Liam O’Hanna, 27, of Belfast, has been charged with displaying a Hezbollah flag in a public place in a way that suggests support for a proscribed organisation. This is contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.”
The Met explained that their Counter Terrorism Command started investigating after an online video from the event surfaced on April 22. The Crown Prosecution Service approved the charge after the investigation.
Kneecap responded on Instagram, expressing anger at the charges. They highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and criticized the British authorities for focusing on them instead. The band said they deny the charge and will defend themselves strongly. They called the situation “political policing” and a “carnival of distraction.”
The group said the charge is not serious enough for a jury trial. They believe the goal is to limit their travel and silence their voices. They said artists who speak out are being targeted.
Kneecap accused British authorities of supporting war crimes. They claimed that instead of protecting innocent people and upholding international law, the UK government has helped cause suffering in Gaza, similar to past actions in Ireland. The band called the Israeli Defense Forces the “real terrorists” and said the world sees this clearly.
They ended by declaring their support for the people affected and condemning those they see as complicit in the violence. Kneecap promised to fight the charges in court and stand for justice, closing with the slogan: “Free Palestine.”
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