Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has joined a chorus of calls for the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap to be removed from the lineup of the upcoming TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow after a controversial video surfaced. The footage, which allegedly shows a band member urging fans to "kill your local MP," has sparked outrage among politicians and the public alike.
Kneecap is scheduled to headline the King Tut's stage on the opening night of TRNSMT, set for July 11, 2025. In the video, recorded during a performance in November 2023, a member of the group can be heard saying, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." This incendiary remark has prompted swift backlash, with Swinney labeling the comments as "completely and utterly unacceptable" and stating that they have "crossed a line."
Speaking at the Scottish Trades Union Congress in Dundee, Swinney emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, "I think it makes it incredibly difficult for a band like Kneecap to perform at TRNSMT because I think they have crossed a line to be honest. It would be unacceptable to perform on such a stage given the fact their comments are so beyond the pale."
The controversy surrounding Kneecap intensified after the emergence of additional footage from a separate gig in November 2024, in which a band member reportedly shouted, "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah." This led to concerns about the group's rhetoric and its implications, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In response to the backlash, Kneecap issued a statement claiming they are facing a "co-ordinated smear campaign" due to their outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. They rejected any suggestion that they would incite violence against any individual, stating, "Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history."
The band also issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, stating, "To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt." Sir David Amess was killed by an Islamic State fanatic in 2021, while Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist in 2016. Katie Amess, Sir David's daughter, criticized Kneecap for their "dangerous, violent rhetoric," saying, "It is just beyond belief that human beings would speak like that in this day and age and it is extremely dangerous."
Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber expressed her disgust at the band's comments, stating, "To learn of the language they have been throwing around is absolutely despicable. I'm flabbergasted to learn that a band could be so crass in their language. They need to be taken off that platform on the Friday night at TRNSMT. There’s no way they should be given the main stage or even a small stage at a music festival that is the pinnacle of Scottish culture for our young people."
The calls for action against Kneecap have also garnered support from other political figures. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the group’s comments, stating that their "anti-British hatred has no place in our society" and demanding that they face prosecution. Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman echoed these sentiments, asserting that the Prime Minister believes the comments are "completely unacceptable" and condemns them in the strongest possible terms.
In light of the escalating situation, the Metropolitan Police have stated that they are assessing the footage to determine whether any further investigation is warranted. A spokesperson for the force said, "We were made aware of a video on April 22, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required."
The counter-terrorism internet referral unit (CTIRU) is dedicated to identifying extremist material online, and any findings that breach the law could lead to police action. As the controversy unfolds, TRNSMT's organizers have yet to comment on the calls to drop Kneecap from the lineup.
Kneecap, composed of members Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, gained notoriety for their performances that often incorporate themes of Irish republicanism and social justice. They have recently garnered attention for their performances at major music festivals, including Coachella, where they ended their set with a pro-Palestinian message that read, "F*** Israel, Free Palestine." This drew criticism from various quarters, including media personalities like Sharon Osbourne, who called for their visas to be revoked.
The group’s support for Palestine has positioned them at the center of a heated debate, with supporters arguing for their right to free expression while critics decry their inflammatory rhetoric. As Kneecap's future at TRNSMT hangs in the balance, the situation raises significant questions about the boundaries of artistic expression, political commentary, and public safety.
As the festival approaches, the pressure mounts on TRNSMT's organizers to make a decision that could have lasting implications for the festival's reputation and the broader conversation surrounding freedom of speech in the arts. With the eyes of the public and politicians focused on them, the fate of Kneecap at TRNSMT remains uncertain as discussions continue.
