Kneecap's TRNSMT gig is AXED after police raise safety fears over 'potential reaction' to Irish rappers
Controversial Irish rappers Kneecap will not play at TRNSMT because of ‘concerns expressed by police’.
The trio said it can no longer perform at the Glasgow festival apologising to the fans who had bought tickets to come see them.
Posting online, the band suggested they’d been axed from the event saying ‘it is out of our hands’ and will play at the city’s O2 Academy instead.
Its full statement said: ‘Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT.
‘To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands.
‘Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We’ve played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will. To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th.’
Controversial Irish rappers Kneecap have been axed from the lineup for this years TRNSMT festival in Glasgow
TRNSMT takes place every summer on Glasgow Green, attracting thousands of music fans
The rap trio was due to play the festival on Friday, July 11 but after it emerged one of its members had been charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London, in November last year.
Liam O’Hanna, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is due at court next month.
Police are also investigating a video - published by the Mail - that appears to show a band member shouting: ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.’
Concerns had been expressed about the band performing in Scotland with First Minister John Swinney calling the trio to be axed from the line-up as it had ‘crossed the line’ with its comments seemingly backing Hamas and calling for the death of MPs.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Any decision on the line up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.
‘Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event.
‘We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival.’
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