Tom Morello and Brian Eno among new names to sign open letter in support of Kneecap
Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello and Brian Eno are the latest names to sign a petition in support of Kneecap amid a police probe into the trio.
On April 30th, prominent members of the musical community rallied around Kneecap by signing an open letter in support of the Belfast trio. Notable initial signees include Paul Weller, Pulp, Massive Attack, Fontaines DC, Idles, Annie Mac and English Teacher.
Other names included Biig Piig, Enter Shikari, Gurriers, Katy J Pearson, Kojaque, Sleaford Mods, The Pogues, Soft Play, Thin Lizzy, The Mary Wallopeers and Martin Ware.
Now, the open letter has been signed by more than 100 names with new additions including Tom Morello, Brian Eno, Baxter Dury, Antony Szmierek, CMAT, Mystery Jets, For Those I Love, Nadine Shah, Sprints, Warmduscher, Reverend and the Makers, The Murder Capital, Mogwai and David Holmes.
The letter reads: “This past week has seen a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform the band Kneecap. In Westminster and the British media, senior political figures have been openly engaged in a campaign to remove Kneecap from the public eye, with veiled threats being made over their scheduled pertormances at gigs, outdoor events and music festivals, including Glastonbury.”
It also states: “In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”
The message concluded by writing, “It is also the duty of key leadership figures in the music industry to actively defend artistic freedom of expression – rather than seek to silence views which oppose their own.”
- 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
It comes as London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed they would investigate Kneecap further after the counter-terrorism department was notified of two videos from their concerts.
In a statement, issued on May 1st, the Metropolitan Police said: “On April 22, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024. Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023. Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offenses linked to both videos.”
The statement continued: “The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time.”
Kneecap’s upcoming concert at the Plymouth Pavilions was cancelled on May 1st amid the police investigation. The show was only announced earlier this week after their performance at the Eden Project was cancelled by organisers. They have since announced three new shows at The Depo in Plymouth.
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