Since their performance at weekend one of Coachella last month, Irish trio Kneecap have been doubling down on their protest against the genocide in Gaza. Their outcry against systemic oppression has always been a part of their creative ethos, but recently it has inspired what the group has called a "coordinated smear campaign" that has involved a slew of canceled gigs and widespread criticism from celebrities like Sharon Osbourne, right-wing media, and pro-Israel organizations like the music industry group Creative Community for Peace.
Last week Kneecap parted ways with their booking agency, which means that their US work visas have been revoked until they get new sponsorship. They've also made statements clarifying they do not and have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. That they actually don't support inciting any violence against civilians, ever. An old video resurfaced of where they express, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." So they've apologized for that too.
The ripple effects have extended to Germany, where the pro-Palestine rallying cry "From the River to the Sea" is legally considered hate speech. Last week, their scheduled appearances at Hurricane and Southside festivals in Germany were canceled. This led the band to direct German fans to September gigs in Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg, but as of Wednesday, those shows have been called off too, The Hollywood Reporter notes. Their gig at Eden Project in Cornwall has also been cancelled. Even their gig in Belfast supporting Fontaines D.C. is up for discussion. Sworn enemy Sharon Osborne believes their appearance at Glastonbury should also be canceled.
But maybe some of these canceled shows are like a glorious hydra: Cancel one and three more pop up. Their show at Plymouth Pavilions on July 4 has been canceled due to "safety concerns." However, now they've announced three shows at the Depo in Plymouth, which are on sale now. Fuck it, they should just host their own festival if they get canceled from anymore.
Amidst this massive attempt to silence Kneecap, artists have come to their side in solidarity. Massive Attack posted a statement, which said it best: "Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story." Heavenly Recordings, the rap trio's label, also shared a statement of solidarity that was signed by many artists including Fontaines D.C., IDLES, English Teacher, Pulp, Primal Scream, Massive Attack, Sleaford Mods, the Pogues, Shirley Manson. Artists continue to sign their name in support.
In addition to all this, Kneecap have teased new music. "New track coming soon....stay tuned...lock down your aerial," reads a recent caption on social media.
In addition to their performances being censored and canceled, do not expect to see their BAFTA-winning self-titled film on an American Airlines flight anytime soon.
Hey @AmericanAir, passengers are deeply concerned that a film promoting the antisemitic and pro-terror group Kneecap is available to stream in-flight.
Why are you giving a platform to hate? This must be removed immediately. pic.twitter.com/YddI7VaDtJ
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 1, 2025
"I pray that they are [banned]... and if they're not, SHAME on Glastonbury!"@MrsSOsbourne has called for Kneecap to be cancelled from the festival over their comments about Hamas.
Watch more on YouTube at 9pm (4pm ET).
📺 https://t.co/QR11ywt8D5@piersmorgan pic.twitter.com/f8XTK5Kv66
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) May 1, 2025
More and more joining today - DM me with any more from artist accounts. https://t.co/qjUdkOUqMr
— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) May 2, 2025
