Recommendations of the Editorial team
The Irish Rap Group Kneecap made a politically charged and controversial appearance at the Glastonbury Festival. Rapper Liam O’hanna, also known as Mo Chara, opened the set on Saturday with the words: “Glastonbury, I’m a freelance man.”
He referred to his ongoing legal problems in Great Britain. O’hanna is currently on trial because he showed a Hezbollah flag at a appearance in London and called: “High Hamas, high Hisbollah.” The British authorities accuse him of supporting a forbidden association. On June 14, he had to answer to a London court.
Kneecap continues to show solidarity with Palestine
“The situation can be quite stressful, but it is minimally compared to what the Palestinian people experience.” He was wearing a Palit towel and publicly recognized the Palestine Action Group, which is controversial in Great Britain due to radical protests against Israeli institutions. Several Palestine flags were also swung in the audience.
Kneecap used their stage for further provocations. They encouraged the audience to mow against the British Prime Minister. During their appearance they called “Fuck Keir Strandmer” – whereupon the BBC abruptly ended the livestream.
KNEECAP and BOB Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival: Police initiate investigations
KNEECAP are considered the provocative voice of Irish Republicanism. In the past, they caused a stir, among other things, because a Hezbollah flag was seen in a music video. Despite (or because of) these controversies, her appearance at Glastonbury was eagerly awaited.
In addition to Kneecap, the London rapper Bob Vylan also noticed through political statements. He appeared in front of the Irish rappers. During his set he called: “Free, Free Palestine” and “Death, Death for the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. The police in Somerset announced that they are now investigating Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s statements.
Despite the criticism of the appearance, Michael Eavis, co -founder of the festival, had previously unimpressed political demands to unload KNEACAP. When Prime Minister Keir Strander had explained in advance that the group’s appearance at Glastonbury was “not appropriate”, countered Eavis: “People who do not like the policy of the event can go somewhere else.”