Kneecap removed from major German festivals and have more concerts cancelled amid investigation
Kneecap have been removed from the line-up at two major German festivals and also had headline shows cancelled in the European country.
The Belfast trio are currently under investigation by counter-terrorism police after footage emerged of two Kneecap concerts on social media. In one, reportedly from a gig in November 2023, they seemingly can be heard saying, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” In the other, which took place at the O2 Kentish Town in London last November, band member Mo Chara shouts, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
Kneecap have since issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, who died in 2021 and 2016, respectively. They also said: “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.”
They also claimed the footage had been “deliberately taken out of all context” and reiterated that the ongoing police investigation resulted from a “smear campaign”.
- Kneecap apologise to families of two murdered MPs and condemn terrorist groups
- Tory leader Kemi Badenoch “demands prosecution” of Kneecap
- Kneecap “taking action” against “coordinated smear campaign” amid Coachella controversy
Politicians are now calling upon Glastonbury Festival to remove Kneecap from the festival’s line-up this summer, and the Eden Project in Cornwall has also confirmed they will no longer be performing on July 4th. Kneecap have since announced a new show at the Plymouth Pavilions on the same night.
Now, Germany’s Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival will no longer be welcoming Kneecap to their site this summer. The two twinned festivals, similar to Reading and Leeds, will feature acts including Green Day, The Prodigy, Sam Fender and Wet Leg.
Production company FKP Scorpia handles both events, and a spokesperson told German newspaper Die Welt of their decision: “The band Kneecap will not be performing at Hurricane and Southside Festivals this year.”
Additionally, Kneecap’s headline shows in Germany in September have been cancelled, which was due to visit Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg. Upon attempting to buy tickets, a message reads, “This event has been canceled.”
The promoters have given no official reason for the cancellation of the German shows.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.