Kevin Rowland says freedom of speech is threatened

The frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners has said people trying to “shut down” Kneecap is an “overreaction”.

Kevin Rowland, whose band’s hits included the 1982 number one hit Come On Eileen, said the controversy over the last week shows that freedom of expression is “under threat”.

Footage of a member of the rap trio Kneecap calling for MPs to be killed is being assessed by counter-terrorism police, and they have faced a slew of concert cancellations, with growing calls for Glastonbury to cancel their appearance there next month.

Mr Rowland is one of the 40 artists that signed an open letter supporting Kneecap and freedom of expression through both bands label Heavenly Recordings.

He said: “This is about freedom of speech and artists’ freedom of expression.”

The independent record label said in the caption: “These artists support the right to Freedom of Expression. This is an ever expanding list. If you are an artist who wishes to be added please DM us.”