There's a lot of stuff these days I don't understand about punk myself. It became a very broad church, a long way from the Sex Pistols to the Talking Heads and from The Slits to the Dolly Mixture or something like that, musically. But also a lot of punks got the wrong end of the stick, and maybe some progenitors of it did as well.
A 10km run to the President's official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, was organised by Kneecap in aid of charity. The run began at Dalymount Park, home to Bohemians FC, and was held in aid of the Gaza Food and Play project. More than 200 runners held Palestine flags, wore Bohs jerseys, and shouted "Free Palestine" as they ran through the rain. At one point, the runners ran towards a gap in the hedge surrounding the President's residence and cheered at Ms Connolly, who encouraged them on their journey.
Kneecap have shared a new song that they made with the English DJ and producer Sub Focus. On the track, "No Comment," they address the terrorism charge that was brought against Mo Chara. Listen to the song, and see the artwork featuring Banksy's Royal Courts of Justice mural, below. "'No Comment' is all about getting harassed by the British state," Kneecap said in a statement.
Prosecutors will appeal against a court's decision to throw out a terrorism charge against the Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh. The 27-year-old was accused of displaying a flag in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in November last year until a technical error in the way he was charged led to the chief magistrate ruling he could not try the case.
Kneecap members were deemed ineligible for entry because of actions and statements that violate Canadian law. Kneecap has publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas that goes beyond artistic expression, said Gasparro in a video on social media. Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism. Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech, he said.
Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said Kneecap has publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas that goes beyond artistic expression. Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism, Gasparro said in a video on social media. Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech.
Recently, the rap group Kneecap has engaged in actions and have made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws that have caused deep alarm to our government. The group have amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. These are not expressions of art or legitimate political critique, they are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.
The Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap are ploughing ahead with their European tour despite a ban on entering Hungary, the cancellation of a string of concerts in Austria and Germany, and the intense scrutiny of authorities in France. The Irish-language group will this Sunday play in front an expected 40,000 spectators at the Rock en Seine festival west of Paris, one of France's biggest live music events of the year, just days after one of their members appeared at a London court on a terrorism charge.
The group has faced several show cancellations, including performances at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and the Eden Project in Cornwall, following their ban from entering Hungary for Sziget Festival.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that further action will not be taken due to insufficient evidence for any potential convictions concerning commented made during Kneecap's Glastonbury performance.
The bonfire at Meridi Street burned effigies of rap trio Kneecap and had an Irish language slogan urging people to "kill your local Kneecap." This ignited further controversy.
Kneecap's poster for their upcoming Wembley Arena show was rejected by Transport for London due to concerns it might cause widespread or serious offense, despite previous promotions being allowed.
When Kneecap performed at Glastonbury music festival this year, bandmember Mo Chara told the crowd, 'us three have no right to be on this stage in front of this many people, rapping predominantly in a language that even people at home don't even speak.' Kneecap has risen to prominence amidst controversy surrounding its shows and political statements.
