Kneecap Delivers Defiant, Politically Charged Set at Glastonbury Amid Controversy

Irish-language rap sensation Kneecap ignited the Glastonbury Festival stage on Saturday with a defiant and politically charged performance, drawing tens of thousands of fans despite swirling controversy and a terror charge facing one of its members.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, is currently on unconditional bail after being charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert last November. Taking the West Holts field stage, Ó hAnnaidh declared, “Glastonbury, I’m a free man!” setting the tone for a show that began with an audio montage addressing the band’s critics and legal challenges.

Throughout their high-energy set, the Belfast trio led the capacity crowd in chants of “Free Palestine” and “Free Mo Chara,” and directed expletive-laden remarks at U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had publicly questioned the appropriateness of their appearance. The group also extended gratitude to festival organizers Michael and Emily Eavis for standing firm against calls to cancel their gig.

Known for their anarchic energy, satirical lyrics, and strong ties to Irish republican symbolism, Kneecap has faced intense scrutiny for their political statements and controversial lyrics. While denying support for Hezbollah or Hamas and condemning violence, the band maintains that critics are attempting to silence them due to their vocal support for the Palestinian cause amidst the conflict in Gaza. Previous performances, including at Coachella, and several canceled gigs have been impacted by the ongoing controversies.

The BBC, which broadcasts numerous Glastonbury sets, opted not to show Kneecap’s performance live, though it plans to make it available online later. The group’s presence at Britain’s most prestigious music festival, which hosts nearly 4,000 performers across 120 stages, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding artistic freedom and political expression.

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