**Kneecap Spark Political Controversy with Anti-Starmer Chants at Glastonbury Festival**
Belfast-based hip-hop group Kneecap made headlines at this year’s Glastonbury Festival with a provocative performance that saw them call out the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, in front of a packed crowd. The group’s set on the West Holts Stage not only drew massive attention for its energetic music, but also for leading festivalgoers in explicit chants criticising the new Labour leader. Their appearance at Worthy Farm came amidst significant controversy and political debate, as questions swirled about the appropriateness of their set due to legal troubles involving one of the members.
Kneecap, popular for their politically charged lyrics and unapologetically Belfast identity, have rarely shied away from controversy. Their member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – known on stage as Mo Chara – faces a terrorism-related charge, after allegedly displaying a flag supporting a proscribed organisation during a gig last year. Public scrutiny escalated ahead of Glastonbury, with several politicians urging festival organisers to remove the act from the line-up. Prime Minister Starmer himself commented, suggesting the group’s performance would not be “appropriate.”
During Saturday’s set, Kneecap made their stance clear. Naoise Ó Cairealláin, or ‘Moglai Bap’, addressed the crowd with a pointed remark: “The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn’t want us to play, so f*** Keir Starmer.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, and the group continued to direct barbs towards political figures, while also expressing gratitude to the Eavis family, the long-time festival organisers. “They stood strong,” Moglai Bap said, commending the organisers’ resolve amid intense calls for their removal.
The politically charged atmosphere extended beyond UK politics. Kneecap also led chants of “Free Palestine,” reflecting a growing movement of solidarity at live events. Mo Chara donned a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity, while DJ Provai – the moniker of member JJ Ó Dochartaigh – appeared in his trademark tricolour balaclava and a shirt reading “We are all Palestine Action,” referencing a campaign group whose activities are set to be banned under government plans.
Before they even took to the stage, Kneecap set the tone by broadcasting news clips critical of their act, which were roundly booed by festivalgoers. The performance kicked off with “Better Way To Live” from their 2024 album *Fine Art*, followed by tracks such as “Get Your Brits Out” and “Hood”. The area around the West Holts Stage was so crowded that access was restricted nearly an hour before their appearance, as fans arrived in their droves waving Irish and Palestinian flags.
The BBC, responding to the contentious nature of Kneecap’s performance, opted not to livestream the set. However, the broadcaster stated the set might be made available on-demand after a review. The group, known for their confrontational style, commented on social media: “The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us… They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the iPlayer later this evening for your viewing pleasure.” On stage, Mo Chara quipped: “The BBC editor is going to have some job.”
The legal proceedings against Mo Chara have added a further layer of complexity to the band’s public image. In June, the rapper was cheered by supporters outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court, having been charged with allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag while voicing pro-Hamas slogans. He remains out on unconditional bail, with the next hearing scheduled for August.
Festivalgoers and public figures weighed in on the debate over Kneecap’s appearance. Gemma Gibson, a fan from Newcastle, expressed her excitement at seeing the