POLITICS

Kneecap's Bold Glastonbury Showdown

Glastonbury, UKSun Jun 29 2025

Belfast rap trio Kneecap took the stage at Glastonbury's West Holts, transforming the event into a political statement.

  • Controversy and Curiosity The crowd, drawn by controversy and curiosity, packed the area, forcing organizers to set up barriers early.

  • Defiant Opening Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, opened the show with a defiant statement:

    "Glastonbury, I am a free man!"

  • Political Statements The set was a mix of high-energy electro-rap and political statements. The band led chants of "free, free Palestine" and criticized Israel's actions in Gaza.

  • Solidarity with Palestine Action They showed solidarity with Palestine Action, a protest group facing potential proscription by the UK government.

  • Support from Glastonbury Organizers Sir Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily stood firm, defending their decision to keep Kneecap on the bill.

  • Memorable Performance The crowd, a mix of traditional Glastonbury flags and Palestinian flags, responded with smoke flares and energetic dancing, making it a memorable set.

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questions

    How do the views of Glastonbury's organizers compare with those of the UK government regarding the appropriateness of Kneecap's performance?
    What impact does the political controversy surrounding Kneecap have on the festival's reputation and future bookings?
    How does the Glastonbury festival's decision to keep Kneecap on the bill align with their stated values of inclusivity and freedom of expression?

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