Latest news with #KNEECAP
Sunday World
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap fans charged €30 for balaclavas and ‘free Mo Chara' tshirts at Dublin gig
Fans who did buy them at official merchandising stalls may feel they got a bit of a bargain as the same items are fetching over €110 online. KNEECAP fans are not only lapping up their music but also their imaginative merchandising. Woolen Irish tricolour balaclavas, as famously sported by band member DJ Provai, were on sale at last night's gig in Dublin's Fairview Park for €30. Many fans took delight wearing them, with security signs on nearby entrances earlier anticipating the craze by signalling: 'Balaclavas may be worn but please show your face if asked by security staff'. Kneecap News in 90 Seconds - June 20th Fans who did buy them at official merchandising stalls may feel they got a bit of a bargain as the same items are fetching over €110 online. Kneecap t-shirts, primarily in black, were also generally priced at €30. The most popular one being snapped up had 'Free Mo Chara' on its front, in obvious reference to band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's current court case in London. Tshirts on sale at the gig This was the group's first show since Liam's appearance at a magistrates court in London on Wednesday on alleged incitement of terrorism charges (for displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in the British capital several months ago), with his case being put back until August while he's released on unconditional bail. Other t-shirts read 'Kneecap: England get out of Ireland' and 'Take these yokes and we'll go for a dance'. A Kneecap hoodie was on sale for €70 and shorts for €40. There was also a separate stall selling pro-Palestinian items. Much of the marketing ideas are originated by the band's enterprising Dubliner manager Daniel Lambert. Daniel is also the C.E.O. of Bohemians FC, where he has had a phenomenal success of bringing sales of merchandising of replica jerseys from just over €100,000 a year to an estimated €2 million. A sign on display at the gig The jerseys, many of which are bought online from abroad, have already have themes such as Bob Marley (who played in Dalymount Park in 1980), 'Refugees Welcome' and 'Fontaines DC'. Environmentalist Greta Thunberg was spotted wearing a Bohs' Fontaines DC on her recent attempted boat trip to Gaza. 'I'm a free man', announced Liam as he took to the stage last night, to whoops of support from the sold-out crowd of 8500 who packed out a giant marquee. Free Mo Chara tshirts were on sale Liam also later wryly stressed that 'I'm not the first lad from west Belfast' that ended up in a British court. The band also highlighted that while their fans got to enjoy an exhilarating show they should also contemplate about Palestinians being slaughtered in Gaza and the West Bank. Balaclavas on sale online The group too paid a touching tribute to their late lightning designer Conor Biddle, offering sympathy to his family and husband Sean. Kneecap will play Glastonbury on Saturday of next weekend, where they're expected to have one of the biggest crowds of the famous festival given not just the curiosity, they're attracting for being perhaps the most high-profile anti-establishment act at the moment but also because their catchy and thought-provoking music is attracting a growing army of fans.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
How Irish rap trio Kneecap is speaking out against genocide like no one else
On Wednesday afternoon, just steps away from the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, a small crowd had gathered waving the colours of Palestine and Ireland. At the centre of it stood three young men from Belfast, wrapped in keffiyehs, ready to appear in court, as one of them faced charges of 'terrorism'. But in the eyes of those gathered, the prosecution only affirmed what Kneecap had always claimed: that their art, their anger, and their politics were dangerous enough to put them on trial. The raucous, bilingual hip-hop trio — made up of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí — have, in a few short years, transformed from cult Gaelic-language oddities into bona fide political headliners around the globe. If one were to ask the British authorities, they are provocateurs, perhaps even radicals. If you asked the tens of thousands who chant 'Free Palestine' at their concerts, they are prophets of a new, unabashed youth culture of revolutionaries. Either way, they are hard to ignore, and harder still to shut up. They're already on the back foot...🔥 GRMA for the video @ — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) June 18, 2025 The charges against Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) stem from a performance in London in late 2024, where he allegedly waved a Hezbollah flag and shouted slogans in support of both Hezbollah and Hamas. The prosecution insisted this isn't about Palestine. The defense argued the charge is not only politically motivated but also technically invalid, citing a narrow reading of the statute of limitations. The legal wrangling continues despite Mo Chara being granted unconditional bail, but outside the courtroom, the rhetoric seems set. Kneecap has turned into a catalyst for Palestinian solidarity that stems from a deep, centuries-old connection between Ireland's own legacy of occupation and the global struggles against colonialism. And that, perhaps, is the key to understanding how a hip-hop group who rhyme in Gaelic about drugs, sex, and British imperialism have ended up being an uncompromising artistic voice for Gaza in the West. Kneecap is made up of three sharply distinct yet symbiotic personas: Mo Chara, the wiry firestarter whose deliveries swing between furious satire and solemn invective; Móglaí Bap, the self-styled poet-contrarian with a punk lyrical style; and DJ Próvaí, the group's sonic architect, whose beats fuse Irish folk samples with grime, trap, and jungle. Together, they trade verses in a brash blend of Gaelic and English that often weave party tracks with polemic. Their gopnik Adidas tracksuit aesthetics are often accessorised with their iconic tricolour balaclavas and Palestinian keffiyehs. Kneecap's music is an anarchic mashup of caustic punchlines and rave-ready anthems of rebellion. Their distinct sound threads resistance through bangers. Tracks like 'C.E.A.R.T.A.' and 'Amach Anocht' champion language rights with the stride of a street protest, while 'Fenian C**ts' turns a slur into a badge of honour, and the ferocious drum'n'bass takedown of British politics in 'The Recap,' has crowds screaming 'F**k [Kemi] Badenoch' with abandon. It's rather poetic that a band named after a paramilitary punishment has become the moral barometer for a generation. In Northern Ireland, 'kneecapping' was administered with a bullet and a warning. It was vigilante justice as deployed by the IRA against informants, drug dealers, and others deemed to have betrayed their community. The term now lives uneasily in popular memory as an echo of brutality and rebellion. For Kneecap, the name has been a punchy provocation. In Irish, 'ní cheapaim' sounds like 'kneecap him' — which means 'I don't think so.' The pun, like much of their art, is laced with misbehaviour. Yet beneath all the swaggering lampooning , there is a long memory. Irish solidarity with Palestine is not new. Both peoples have known the weight of occupation, the indignity of checkpoints, and the sting of being cast as 'terrorists' while seeking liberation. In the Catholic quarters of Belfast, the Palestinian flag is stitched into the fabric of daily life like a second national emblem. In many neighbourhoods, where the memory of British occupation still looms large, parallels between the Irish Republican struggle and Palestinian resistance feel immediate and lived. The shared history of displacement, state violence, and political vilification forms a bridge that spans continents. Kneecap has reanimated this sentiment in a language of basslines, beats, and unapologetic sloganeering that has proven potent to young audiences. When they stood before 20,000 people at Coachella, and roared that the Palestinians were being bombed from the skies with nowhere to run, they were drawing a bloodline from Derry to Deir al-Balah, to illustrate how the cruelties of colonial occupation have now translated to modern-day war crimes. Our message to London 👇 — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) May 24, 2025 The group's own upbringing is rooted in the post-Good Friday Agreement generation, and informs their every move as the grandchildren of insurgency. Móglaí Bap's father, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, was a giant of the Irish language movement who fought against cultural erasure. His recent death and subsequent eulogising by the president of Ireland, only seems to have furthered the group's resolve. Last year, Kneecap's audacity leapt from stage to screen with the release of their self-titled biopic that chronicled their rise from Belfast's underbelly to the global stage. Premiering at Sundance — where it became the first Irish-language film ever selected — it quickly generated Oscar buzz, and was even made the nomination shortlist. Though it ultimately missed out on a nod, Kneecap marked a watershed moment for Irish-language cinema. Kneecap's genius has been in making the political seem personal, and the personal feel universal. They've threaded together Irish language rights, class warfare, anti-Zionism, drug culture, and nationalist mischief into something that feels utterly of its time: the sound of a generation that's done with polite liberalism and is thirsting for confrontation. Their statements are clearly not careful. At times, they veer towards a hot-headed bluster that invites criticism, as when Mo Chara declared, 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory'. They have since clarified, retracted, contextualised, denied, and even, doubled down. But the thrust remains that this is a group that sees politics as the very foundation to their art. While the likes of Radiohead are now mumbling faint somethings about 'both sides,' after years of Zionist catering, Kneecap has had zero reservations for calling a genocide what it is. They have been using their platform precisely because they know it is precarious and powerful. Critics call them dangerous. But the danger, really, is that they're effective. They've made Gaza the most important thing to care about, and somehow looked incredibly cool doing so. They've lit up the hypocrisy of Western governments that condemn protest in the name of 'security' while bankrolling a war that has killed tens of thousands. And their performances have been a spectacle of catharsis for those who feel ignored by the mainstream discourse. The cultural establishment doesn't quite know what to do with them. Sharon Osbourne called for them to be banned from the United States after their stint at Coachella. Massive Attack came to their defense. Jeremy Corbyn introduced them at another festival. They screen 'F**k Israel, Free Palestine' behind them at shows, and then segue into songs about ketamine and wild nights in Belfast. Are they pranksters? Are they revolutionaries? Are they, in the language of coppers, simply self-proclaimed 'low-life scum'? Kneecap has continually proven how their greatest weapon is their refusal to shut up. It's fitting that a band born of the legacy of kneecaps blown out to keep people quiet has become one of the loudest, cheekiest voices shouting back against genocide .
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's Liam O'Hanna to appear in court charged with terrorism offence
Kneecap star Liam O'Hanna will be appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court today charged with a terrorism offence. The Belfast rapper, 27, performs under the stage name Mo Char but is also known as Liam Og O Hannaidh. He has been charged with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on November 21 last year, the Metropolitan Police said. In a statement earlier this year, the Met said that the flag was displayed "in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation". Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap shared a joint statement days later denying the offence, claiming it was "political policing" and saying that they will "vehemently defend" themselves. A throng of fans and protesters have appeared outside Westminster Magistrates Court in support of Kneecap star Liam O'Hanna. Placards with the words "DEFEND KNEECAP - Drop the charges - Freedom for Palestine" were held up by many, with others demanding "FREE MO CHARA." Others declared: "GUILTY PLEA? NO THANKS." Some sported t-shirts with both the Palestinian and Irish flags, stating: "KNEECAP - FREE SPEECH, FREE PALESTINE." Pressure has been mounting for their slot at Glastonbury next week to be axed following the charges. A number of their gigs have been cancelled since the Met Police's investigation into the Northern Irish trio, including an appearance at trhe Eden Project and Scotland's TRNSMT festival. A spokesman for Police Scotland said at the time: "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." However, experts have suggested that it is unlikely that their set at Glastonbury will be cancelled due to the festival's stance on being open regarding political issues, with speakers from both ends of the political spectrum able to voice their opinions in area Left Field. Musicians and artists often freely voice their opinions - with Banksy releasing a migrant life raft into the crowd during Idles' set last year. Yet, Glastonbury's broadcaster - the BBC - may decide not to air their performance in a bid to remain impartial. Following Liam O'Hanna's terrorism charge, Kneecap vowed to 'fight' in a strongly-worded statement on Instagram as they strongly denied the allegations. The band said on May 22: "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again, the British establishment is focused on us. "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. "A charge not serious enough to even warrant their 'crown court', instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? To restrict our travel ability. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare to speak out. "Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. "We stand proudly with the people. You stand complicit with the war criminals. We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win. Free Palestine." Counter-terror police began conducting an investigation into Kneecap in April after online videos allegedly showed the Northern Irish rap trio calling for the death of British MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' during a music event in London in November 2023. Prior to the charges, Kneecap addressed the videos and in a statement said they rejected "any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever." They stated that "an extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action". The trio also - made up of members Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ O'Dochartaigh (DJ Provai), and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap) - added at the time: "To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt." Liam O'Hanna was subsequently charged with a terrorism offence in May relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London last November. The artist was charged with displaying a flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London, on November 21, 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation', it said. The force added: 'Officers from the Met's counter terrorism command were made aware on Tuesday April 22 of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.'
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Rock legend supports KNEECAP amid Glastonbury ban calls
The Smiths legend Johnny Marr has expressed his support for KNEECAP following calls for their Glastonbury performance to be censored. KNEECAP'S Glastonbury controversy follows footage from the past gigs coming to light after the trios Coachella performance, where they unveiled messages saying: 'Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people' and 'Fuck Israel, Free Palestine.' Trio founder Mo Chara, Liam g hAnnaidh, was charged by the Metropolitan Police with a terror offence, and numerous live shows cancelled. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this Wednesday, June 18. The charge relates to two on-stage incidents from shows in London in 2024 and 2023, respectively. KNEECAP have vehemently denied supporting either Hamas or Hezbollah, and said that they do not condone violence, and have also condemned the terror charge, calling it a carnival of distraction'. Yesterday evening, Marr took to X to express his supprt for the group in a statement which read: After learning that calls have been made for KNEECAP to be censored during their Glastonbury set, I think its important that I make my own position clear he wrote. Ive played Glastonbury many times and the festival has always had a political aspect. It was founded as a place of free expression and political activism and its a fact that I agreed to play there with The Smiths in 1984 purely because to do so at the time was a political act. We are living through very troubling times, but for anyone whos been interested in me or my music over the last 40 years, I feel like my political stance has always been very clear. — Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) June 16, 2025 Marr concluded by expressing his support for Palestine: Oppression fears artistic expression. I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give voice to the voiceless. I stand with my audience and fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine. Other artists have previously expressed their support for KNEECAP, including Fontaines D.C.s Grian Chatten, Pulp, Brian Eno, Massive Attack, CMAT and more., The trio also received public backing from anti-racism campaigners Love Music Hate Racism, after a 'private and confidential' letter was sent to the bookers of Glastonbury Festival urging them to drop the trio from its 2025 lineup. Last week, the trio unveiled the legal team which will represent g hAnnaidh at the Westminster court this week, which includes Gareth Peirce, who was the solicitor for Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn, who represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court. His legal team also includes Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Jude Bunting KC and Blinne N Ghrlaigh KC.
The Journal
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Kneecap recruits prominent Irish lawyers ahead of band member's alleged terror offences trial
RAP GROUP KNEECAP has recruited a team of prominent human rights and criminal defence lawyers ahead of a trial in which one of its members accused of alleged terror offences. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of militant group Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November last year. The 27-year-old Belfast native is to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. Ó hAnnaidh has not spoken individually since the charge was confirmed, but Kneecap as a band has said they will contest the charges. 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves,' a statement said last month. 'This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.' Posting online today, the band said Ó hAnnaidh will be represented by Darragh Mackin, of Pheonix Law, who represented families of the Stardust fire in a recent inquiry into the event and previously represented the band in a funding dispute case . Advertisement Mackin is also joined by barristers Brenda Campbell, KC, who also represented families in the Stardust inquiry and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh , KC, an international law expert with a specialism in protest law. Ní Ghrálaigh, a Co Mayo native, appeared before the International Court of Justice last year on behalf of South Africa in its genocide case against Israel. Fellow freedom of speech and human rights barrister Jude Bunting, KC, Just Stop Oil solicitor Rosalind Comyn and criminal defence expert Gareth Peirce, who represented the Birimingham 6 and Guilford 4, also join the defence team. In a post, the band said: 'We will fight you in your court. We will win.' Ó hAnnaidh is accused of committed an offence under the UK's Terrorism Act, Section 13 (1) which says: 'A person in a public place commits an offence if he a) wears an item of clothing or b) wears, carries or displays an article, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.' The band have come to international prominence for their outspokenness on Israel's ongoing bombing and siege of Gaza which has killed over 50,000 people and has brought the enclave to the brink of famine . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
