John Lydon condemns Kneecap: “They need a bloody good kneecapping”
Former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon has claimed Kneecap “need a bloody good kneecapping”, in reference to the form of physical punishment that inspired the Irish trio’s name.
The group is currently the subject of a police investigation following the emergence of historic on-stage comments made by the band. These comments surfaced on social media after Kneecap caused controversy by making a series of pro-Palestine statements at Coachella.
At a 2024 concert at O2 Kentish Town Forum, London, Mo Chara can be heard seemingly shouting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Both Hamas and Hezbollah are recognised as terrorist organisations in the UK. Additionally, in a clip from November 2023, they seemingly told the audience: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Now, Lydon has said of Kneecap while on Good Morning Britain: “If you’re advocating the death of another human being, then you have no cause whatsoever. You are my enemy from here on in for the rest of your mediocre existence.”
The punk singer continued: “You shouldn’t be talking like that, you shouldn’t be making enemies of your fellow human beings. Other than that, maybe they need a bloody good kneecapping!”
- Kneecap controversy: The full story explained amid police investigation
- Metropolitan Police say there is “grounds for further investigation” into Kneecap
- Pulp, Paul Weller, and Fontaines DC sign open letter defending Kneecap
Lydon also accused Kneecap of attempting to copy the Sex Pistols, stating, “I think they’re following what they think is the Sex Pistols route. It’s helpful isn’t it, when you get the Financial Times propping you up.”
“In a weird way, the Pistols – we were celebrated in money business papers, publications,” he added, before clarifying that publications like the Financial Times and their coverage of the Sex Pistols was designed at “humiliating us”. Lydon continued: But now that’s become a format, hasn’t it? That’s what happens.”
Following the emergence of the two videos, Kneecap released a statement apologising to the families of the late MPs Jo Cox and David Amess, who were both murdered. They also “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual” and claim the footage has been “deliberately taken out of all context” to be “exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.”
Kneecap have subsequently had shows in Germany, the Eden Project in Cornwall, and Plymouth cancelled. Despite pressure from politicians, they are still scheduled to perform at Glastonbury.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no member of Kneecap has been charged.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.