Watch Kneecap perform on ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’
Irish trio Kneecap delivered a pulsating performance of their new single ‘Sick in the Head’ to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on March 8th.
The appearance marked their American television debut, and also the first time Irish language music had been performed on the iconic late night show. ‘Sick in the Head’ is taken from Kneecap’s upcoming debut album Fine Art, set for release on June 14th through Heavenly Recordings.
Their voyage to the US follows a recent performance on The Late Late Show in Ireland, where they took the opportunity to deliver a pro-Palestine message. They told host Paddy Kielty on February 23rd of their decision to wear Palestine badges: “That’s why we’re here — to highlight the genocide that’s happening in Palestine at the moment.”
Following their Fallon debut, the Belfast trio explained in a statement posted on social media they were unable to use their slot to make a political statement due to it being pre-recorded.
They explained: “Tonight was a pre-record performance, which meant our ability to make a statement on current events was not possible. We will always use our voice to speak about the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people, sadly being facilitated by the US. Use your voice to call for a ceasefire and those responsible for war crimes to be brought to justice.”
Additionally, last month, Kneecap claimed the UK government is “trying to silence voices from West Belfast” after they were blocked from receiving funding from the Music Export Growth Scheme, that aims to promote British bands internationally and had previously been signed off by the BPI. They are now taking legal action.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said of her decision: “We fully support freedom of speech, but it’s hardly surprising that we don’t want to hand out UK taxpayers’ money to people that oppose the United Kingdom itself.”
Watch Kneecap perform ‘Sick in the Head’ on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon below.
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