Kneecap's Bold Glastonbury Showdown

Kneecap, the Belfast rap trio, took the stage at Glastonbury's West Holts, turning it into a political battleground. The crowd, drawn by controversy and curiosity, packed the area, forcing organizers to set up barriers early. The band wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent remarks calling their appearance "not appropriate. " They thanked Glastonbury for standing by them, making it clear that Starmer's opinion didn't sway their support. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, opened the show with a defiant statement, arms outstretched, declaring, "Glastonbury, I am a free man! " He's currently on bail, facing a terrorism charge for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a previous gig. His bandmate, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, aka Móglaí Bap, didn't hold back either. He called the charge "trumped up" and a "miscarriage of justice, " urging fans to support Ó hAnnaidh at his upcoming court date. The set was a mix of high-energy electro-rap and political statements. The band, known for their support of Palestine, led chants of "free, free Palestine" and criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. They also showed solidarity with Palestine Action, a protest group facing potential proscription by the UK government. This led to more chants aimed at Starmer, criticizing the UK's arms sales to Israel. Kneecap's rise to fame came after their semi-autobiographical film with Michael Fassbender. But their political stance, especially on Palestine, has put them in the spotlight. The controversy around Ó hAnnaidh's alleged Hezbollah flag display and Starmer's comments added fuel to the fire. Yet, Glastonbury's organizers, Sir Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily, stood firm. They defended their decision to keep Kneecap on the bill, emphasizing the festival's commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices. On stage, Ó hAnnaidh praised the Eavis family for their support, acknowledging the pressure they faced but stood strong. The crowd, a mix of traditional Glastonbury flags and Palestinian flags, responded with smoke flares and energetic dancing, making it a memorable set.