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| The group's set was a fast and furious parade of high octane dance-rap |
Political Fire Meets Music at West Holts Stage
Irish-language rap group Kneecap turned up the heat at Glastonbury 2025 with a high-voltage set that directly confronted UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Just days before the festival, Starmer called their inclusion “not appropriate,” but the Belfast trio stood their ground — and then some.
Before thousands of chanting fans, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (aka Mo Chara), opened with a bold statement:
"Glastonbury, I am a free man!"
Wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh and flanked by his bandmates Móglaà Bap and DJ PróvaÃ, the rapper set the tone for a performance filled with activism, protest, and explosive energy.
A Performance Charged With Controversy
Ó hAnnaidh is currently on bail, facing a terrorism charge for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a past event — a charge he strongly denies. Móglaà Bap denounced the case as a "trumped-up terrorism charge", linking it to the long history of Irish injustice within the British legal system.
Fans Flooded the Field to Witness History
So many people gathered for their set that Glastonbury organizers fenced off the West Holts area 45 minutes early. As smoke flares erupted and bodies moved in synchronized mosh circles, the crowd joined in on rebellious chants — some aimed directly at Starmer.
Strong Statements on Palestine and Protest
"Free Palestine" Echoes Through Glastonbury
Between pounding beats and energetic electro-rap, Kneecap took firm political stances. They accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and rallied for international solidarity:
"We understand colonialism and we understand how important it is to support each other internationally," said Ó hAnnaidh.
Chants of "Free, Free Palestine" filled the air, met with cheers and waves of Palestinian flags. The band also endorsed Palestine Action, a protest group soon to be proscribed by the UK government.
Glastonbury, the BBC, and the Debate on Free Speech
Eavis Family Backs Kneecap Amid Political Pressure
Despite pressure from government officials including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Glastonbury’s founders Michael and Emily Eavis supported the band:
"Everyone is welcome here," Emily said, reaffirming the festival’s dedication to artistic freedom.
Sir Michael added:
"People that don’t agree with the politics of the event can go somewhere else."
BBC Faces Editorial Dilemma
The BBC chose not to live stream the performance due to editorial concerns over offensive language and impartiality, but later uploaded an unedited version to iPlayer. As Ó hAnnaidh joked on stage:
"The BBC editor is going to have some job."
Kneecap Isn’t Backing Down
From Coachella to Glastonbury: A Political Journey
Kneecap’s rise from Ireland’s underground scene to international recognition has been nothing short of revolutionary. With recent attention from their semi-autobiographical film featuring Michael Fassbender, and global headlines following their Coachella set, the trio is redefining what it means to be politically conscious artists in 2025.
Bold, Brazen, and Here to Stay
Their Glastonbury set wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural and political flashpoint. By using their platform to challenge authority, question injustice, and demand change, Kneecap reminded the world why music still matters.
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