**Kneecap Pulled from TRNSMT Festival Line-up After Police Voice Security Fears**
The Belfast hip-hop group Kneecap has announced they will no longer be performing at this summer’s TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow, following police intervention over what have been described as concerns about the safety and security of the event. The decision has raised questions about the balance between artistic freedom and public safety, as well as the role of law enforcement in festival line-up choices.
Kneecap, well known for their politically charged lyrics and high-energy performances, were originally slated to perform on 11 July at Scotland’s TRNSMT festival, a popular annual music event that draws thousands of fans from across the UK and beyond. However, both the band and event organisers have now confirmed that their appearance has been cancelled at the request of Police Scotland, following discussions about how the group’s inclusion might affect crowd safety.
In a statement released via social media, the group apologised to attendees who had made plans to see them live: “To everyone who bought tickets, booked flights, and arranged hotels, we’re sorry – this was beyond our control,” Kneecap wrote. The band also referenced the significance of Glasgow to them, noting their extensive performance history in the city without incident, and gently challenged the rationale for their removal: “Make of that what you will,” they added.
As a gesture to disappointed fans, Kneecap has quickly arranged a replacement headline show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy, set for 8 July—just days before the TRNSMT festival. This move has been welcomed by supporters keen to see the trio perform in the city, despite their exclusion from the festival itself.
Festival organisers explained their decision in a brief statement, confirming: “Due to concerns raised by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer be performing at TRNSMT on Friday 11 July. We thank fans for their understanding.” This aligns with a comment from a Police Scotland spokesperson, who clarified that while the force is not involved in booking acts, it does provide advice to organisers regarding any acts likely to require “a significant policing operation.” Police also stated they had relayed information received from the public about potential safety risks in connection with the band’s appearance.
The background to this controversy lies partly in political tensions linked to the group. In April, newly appointed First Minister John Swinney publicly urged the festival promoter to reconsider Kneecap’s place on the bill. This followed the circulation of a video in which a member of the band allegedly made incendiary remarks about Conservative MPs, prompting outrage and debate over responsible conduct by artists.
Additionally, earlier this month, band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, also known by his stage moniker Mo Chara, was charged in London with an alleged terror offence. The charge relates to the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag during a performance last November—a development that has brought further scrutiny to the group.
In response to criticism, Kneecap have previously expressed remorse to the families of murdered MPs, explaining that their words had been “exploited and weaponised” beyond their intent. The musicians have reiterated their opposition to proscribed groups including Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are banned organisations in the UK.
The incident has set off a wider conversation about music, free speech, and public safety at large events. Some see the police warnings as both necessary and proportionate, while others believe they set a worrying precedent for artistic expression. Despite the setback, Kneecap’s music will still be featured at other major events, with Gloucestershire’s 2000trees festival confirming the band as Thursday headliners in July.
As the debate continues, festival-goers and artists alike will be watching to see how future organisers balance the demands of security, freedom, and cultural exchange in the ever-vibrant British festival scene.