Irish group kneecap pulled from TRNSMT over safety fears after terror charge and controversial lyrics
Irish-language rap trio Kneecap have been removed from the TRNSMT music festival line-up in Glasgow following concerns raised by Police Scotland over public safety, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the band.
The group had been scheduled to perform on the festival’s opening night, 11 July, at Glasgow Green. However, organisers DF Concerts confirmed their removal, citing police concerns. “Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform,” said a spokesperson.
It comes days after a band member was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London performance. The incident occurred last November at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town and only recently led to formal charges after video footage surfaced online.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, faces prosecution under counter-terrorism legislation and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June. The 27-year-old was charged by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command after a lengthy investigation sparked by social media footage.
Further controversy surrounds the band’s 2023 gig, where footage appeared to capture a member saying, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” The band has since apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, but public backlash has persisted.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, publicly backed calls to axe the group from the TRNSMT line-up, amplifying pressure on festival organisers. While Police Scotland insisted the final decision rested with DF Concerts, they warned that the band’s appearance would require a “significant policing operation”.
In response to their removal, Kneecap issued a strongly worded statement via social media: “Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. 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The band were quick to stress that they had not voluntarily withdrawn. “Kneecap didn’t ‘pull out’ of TRNSMT – Kneecap were removed,” they added.
They also announced a replacement show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on 8 July to appease disappointed fans. “Glasgow has always been a huge city for us,” the group stated. “We’ve played there many, many times with no issues – ever. Make of that what you will.”
Despite the TRNSMT fallout, Kneecap remain booked to perform at Glastonbury on Saturday 28 June, where their presence is expected to reignite debate over censorship, freedom of expression, and public safety at major music events.
The Belfast-based group, known for their provocative lyrics and Irish nationalist imagery, has courted both critical acclaim and political scrutiny since emerging in 2018. Their unapologetically political message, delivered in both English and Irish, continues to divide opinion across the UK and Ireland.
Their removal from TRNSMT marks one of the most high-profile artist exclusions from a major UK festival in recent years — and places questions of artistic freedom and political responsibility centre stage ahead of the summer music season.
As police and festival organisers double down on security measures, Kneecap’s growing notoriety seems unlikely to fade quietly into the background.
