Kneecap pull out of TRNSMT music festival over police concerns

Irish rap group Kneecap have pulled out of the TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow over police concerns about safety.

Police Scotland said last week that allowing the trio to perform at Glasgow Green on 11 July would require “a significant policing operation”.

It followed a member of the Irish language group being charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

The Belfast trio were also criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

Kneecap released a statement saying that, to make up for the TRANSMT cancellation on Friday 11 July , they would be putting on a new show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Tuesday 8 July.

The band said: “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.

“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.”

Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 18 June.

Officers from the Met’s counter terrorism command were made aware on 22 April of an online video from the event.

Belfast man Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been charged under the name Liam O’Hanna.