Belfast-based rap group Kneecap took to the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, with member Mo Chara declaring “Glastonbury, I’m a free man” during their performance.
The trio has been subject to significant media attention following charges against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, related to a terror offence.
Prior to their stage appearance, news broadcasts containing criticism of the hip hop group played through the sound system, which were met with boos from festival attendees.
Festival organizers restricted access to the West Holts Stage area approximately 45 minutes before the performance as crowds gathered, displaying Irish and Palestinian flags.
Leading up to the Somerset festival, multiple politicians requested the group’s removal from the lineup. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated their performance would not be “appropriate”.
The BBC announced on Saturday that they would not livestream the set but indicated the performance would likely become available on-demand later.
A BBC representative explained: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. While the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. We don’t always live-stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.”
The broadcaster requires review of the performance before finalizing availability decisions.
Kneecap responded on Instagram: “The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us…. They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the iPlayer later this evening for your viewing pleasure.”
O hAnnaidh, 27, faces charges for allegedly displaying a flag supporting proscribed terrorist organization Hezbollah and stating “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a November performance.
On June 18, the rapper appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court alongside bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, supported by hundreds wearing “Free Mo Chara” shirts. He received unconditional bail until the August 20 hearing.
Festival attendee Gemma Gibson, 41, from Newcastle, expressed excitement about seeing Kneecap perform. Regarding calls for cancellation, she stated: “Well, that would be completely against everything that Glastonbury stands for… This is where they should be.”
Saturday’s lineup also featured Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US artist Brandi Carlile, who collaborated with Sir Elton John on a recent album release.
Irish performer CMAT, who appeared on the Pyramid Stage Friday, gave a surprise set at the BBC Introducing stage Saturday.
Neil Young, recognized for hits including “Rockin’ In The Free World,” “Like A Hurricane,” and “Cinnamon Girl,” headlined the Pyramid Stage Saturday evening with the Chrome Hearts. The BBC broadcast Young’s performance after initially stating it would not be shown “at the artist’s request.”
Charli XCX was expected to draw large crowds headlining the Other Stage, performing alongside Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii.
Notable festival attendees included singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, The Crown’s Emma Corrin, and Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn.
Sir Rod Stewart will perform in Sunday’s legends slot, previously announcing appearances by former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood and additional guests.
The BBC provides livestreams for five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.
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