Kneecap Removed From Scottish Festival Following Safety Concerns

Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap will no longer be appearing at Scotland’s TRNSMT festival this July following safety concerns from law enforcement.

The Belfast outfit had been scheduled to appear at the Glasgow festival this July, appearing on a lineup that also features 50 Cent, Gracie Abrams, Fontaines D.C., and more. However, local law enforcement had expressed concerns about the band’s appearance only last week, claiming that “there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.”

“Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event,” a police spokesperson explained.

Now, it appears as though those concerns have resulted in tangible actions, with Kneecap taking to social media on Wednesday (May 28) to reveal they would no longer be performing “due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event.”

“To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands.” they wrote. “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 have since announced an additional performance at Glasgow’s O2 Academy for July 8 “to try to make up for” their removal. The trio has also been quick to set the record straight about the specifics of the lineup shift, clarifying online reporting by writing “Kneecap didn’t ‘pull out’ of TRNSMT – Kneecap were removed.”

News of Kneecap’s removal from TRNSMT comes after two German music festivals similarly revised their lineups, and last week’s reporting of member Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, being charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police.

Ó hAnnaidh was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly showing support for militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah in historic videos. Both are proscribed as terror groups according to U.K. law, and considered an offense under the Terrorism Act 2000.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18, with the band issuing a statement to note they “deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”