Glastonbury organisers have been forced to close the West Holts stage ahead of Kneecap’s highly-anticipated performance, scheduled for 4pm today, amid demands for the Irish rap group to be dropped from the festival lineup. Eager fans had arrived early to secure a spot, only to be turned away, as the area has reached maximum capacity, leaving no room for additional attendees. The news will undoubtedly disappoint those who had been looking forward to watching the trio perform live, especially since their set will not be broadcast on the BBC.
Although the contentious gig won’t be live-streamed, a recorded version will be made available on-demand. In response to the controversy, a BBC spokesperson stated: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines.”
The spokesperson added: “We don’t always live stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.”
Anticipating a large turnout, Glastonbury organisers had previously issued a crowd warning, naming Kneecap among the acts expected to draw in the biggest crowds. Festival organisers advised attendees: “Kneecap will draw a large audience for their 4pm West Holts show. If you’re not planning to see them, please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity and we need to close it as part of our crowd planning measures,” reports the Mirror.
Band member Mo Chara recently stirred controversy after being charged with displaying a flag supporting the prohibited militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. The musician, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, appeared in court last week due to this incident.
The 27-year-old stood before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18, while supporters and fellow musicians, including Paul Weller, rallied outside. The charge stemmed from an event following the band’s O2 Forum show in Kentish Town, London.
However, the band has labelled the case against the musician as a “witch hunt”.
The band’s planned performance at Glastonbury was thrown into uncertainty, and they faced calls from the Prime Minister for them to be removed from the line-up.
Despite this, Kneecap, which also includes Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, are still set to perform. Speaking at court, the band announced: “For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on Saturday.
“If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine.”
Amid the controversy, Kneecap have withdrawn from this year’s TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow.
In a statement on social media, Kneecap 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.”
They continued: “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. To try and make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
