Prominent musicians such as Paul Weller, Primal Scream, and DJ Annie Mac have signed a letter backing the rap group Kneecap.
The politically engaged trio from Belfast, known for their controversial stance, attracted criticism recently during their performance at Coachella, where they displayed the message “F*** Israel. Free Palestine.”
Footage surfaced from a November performance at London’s Kentish Town Forum, allegedly showing one member of the group shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
Another video from a November 2023 gig reportedly featured a member declaring: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for legal action against Kneecap due to these videos, while Glastonbury Festival is under pressure to exclude them from its lineup this year.
A number of the group’s performances have been canceled, including a scheduled show at Cornwall’s Eden Project.
In an open letter, the group’s record label, Heavenly Recordings, expressed concerns about a “clear, concerted effort to censor and ultimately deplatform” Kneecap.
Over 40 music acts have signed this letter.
Former The Jam frontman Paul Weller is among the artists supporting Kneecap. Pic: AP
The letter states: “As artists, we feel compelled to voice our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.”
“In a democracy, no political figure or party should dictate who has the right to perform at music festivals or events enjoyed by thousands.”
It further accuses politicians of “strategically manufacturing moral outrage over the remarks of a young punk band” while ignoring a “genocide” occurring in Gaza.
“Kneecap are not the main issue. Gaza is the main issue. Genocide is the real issue,” it emphasizes. “The silence and complicity of the elected British Government regarding these crimes against humanity is the real story.”
“We stand in solidarity with all artists who have the moral courage to speak out against Israeli war crimes and the ongoing violence faced by the Palestinian people.”
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Why is Kneecap controversial?
Instagram accounts from various artists, including Mercury Prize nominees Yard Act, have commented on statements featuring this letter, seeking to be added to the list of signatories.
In another show of support, the trip hop collective Massive Attack released their own statement in favor of Kneecap.
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Kneecap comments ‘dangerous and heartbreaking’
This follows the Metropolitan Police’s review of the “kill MPs” video alongside the 2024 footage in which a band member reportedly stated “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
In a statement on Instagram, the band—comprised of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh—reached out to the families of slain MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, stating: “We never intended to cause you pain.”
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Kneecap remarks deemed ‘dangerous’ by Sir David Amess’s daughter
Kneecap declared that they “reject any implication that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual.”
“Kneecap’s message has always been— and remains— one of love, inclusion, and hope,” the post concluded.