Irish rap group Kneecap has cancelled all 15 sold-out US tour dates scheduled for October, citing the proximity of Mo Chara's court hearing in London. The band announced the cancellation on Monday, disappointing tens of thousands of fans who had purchased tickets.
Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 26 for a hearing related to charges of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig in November 2024. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring will rule on whether the court has jurisdiction to try the case, after the defence argued the charge should be thrown out due to a technical error.
Band's defiant response
In their social media announcement, the band said: "Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour, as the British government continues its witch-hunt, we will have to cancel all 15 US tour dates in October. With every show fully sold out, to tens of thousands of fans, this is news we are sad to deliver."
The group promised to "embark on an even bigger tour" once they win their court case, which they expressed confidence about. They also pledged to share "something very special" for US fans next week to maintain connection during October.
According to The Independent, some disappointed fans are pledging to donate their ticket refunds to Palestinian humanitarian causes. The band confirmed their four sold-out Canadian shows in Vancouver and Toronto will proceed as planned.
Background and controversy
Kneecap formed in Belfast in 2017 and are known for provocative lyrics in both Irish and English. The group hit headlines in April when footage emerged showing a band member saying "Kill your local MP" at one gig and "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at another.
The band has apologised to families of murdered MPs and stated they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out and Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC.
Only BBC reports the band performed in Paris on Sunday night before Monday's announcement. Refunds for the cancelled US tour will be available from the point of purchase.
Sources used: "The Standard", "BBC", "Belfast Live", "Daily Record", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
