Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the many music stars who’ve signed a letter in help of rap group Kneecap.
The politically-charged Belfast trio, who’re no strangers to controversy, have confronted criticism in latest weeks following a efficiency at US competition Coachella by which they displayed the message “F*** Israel. Free Palestine”.
Then got here the emergence of footage, taken from a gig at London’s Kentish City Discussion board final November, which appeared to indicate one member of the group shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
Video additionally emerged from a November 2023 gig, showing to indicate one member of the group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch known as for Kneecap to face prosecution over the 2 movies, whereas Glastonbury Pageant is now going through stress to drop them from this yr’s line-up.
A handful of the group’s gigs have been cancelled, together with one which was set to happen at Cornwall’s Eden Venture.
In an open letter, the group’s document label, Heavenly Recordings, stated there had been a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform” the group.
Greater than 40 music acts have now signed the letter.
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Former The Jam frontman Paul Weller is among the artists to have given Kneecap their backing. Pic: AP
It reads: “As artists, we really feel the necessity to register our opposition to any political repression of inventive freedom.
“In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”
It additionally accuses politicians of “strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band” whereas ignoring a “genocide” in Gaza.
“Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story,” it says. “And the silence, acquiescence and support of those crimes against humanity by the elected British Government is the real story.
“Solidarity with all artists with the ethical braveness to talk out towards Israeli conflict crimes, and the continued persecution and slaughter of the Palestinian individuals.”
The complete checklist of signatories
Annie Mac, Beoga, Bicep, Biig Piig, Blindboy Boatclub, Bob Vylan, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Supply, Dexys, English Instructor, Enter Shikari, Fontaines D.C., Gemma Dunleavy, Gurriers, Idles, Iona Zajac, Jelani Blackman and John Francis Flynn.
Joshua Idehen, Katy J Pearson, Kojaque, Lankum, Lisa O’Neill, Lowkey, Large Assault, Martyn Ware, Paul Weller, Peter Perrett, Poor Creature, Primal Scream and Pulp.
Roisin El Cherif, Shirley Manson, Sleaford Mods, Smooth Play, The Mary Wallopers, The Pogues, Skinny Lizzy and Toddla T.
Instagram accounts belonging to different acts, together with Mercury Prize nominees Yard Act, have commented on submit that includes the assertion, asking to be added.
Elsewhere, journey hop collective Large Assault put out their very own assertion supporting Kneecap.
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Kneecap feedback ‘harmful and heartbreaking’
It comes because the Metropolitan Police is assessing the “kill MPs” video clip, together with the 2024 video by which a band member appeared to say “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
In an announcement posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the households of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”
Kneecap stated they “reject any suggestion 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 submit added.
