Kneecap were set to perform at the Hurricane Festival in June, one of Germany’s largest festivals and its sister event, the Southside Festival. The festivals issued a statement last week saying: “Kneecap will not be performing at Hurricane and Southside Festival this year,” without providing further context. At the same time, the ticket provider for the events also stated that the events have been cancelled.
Following their performance at the US Coachella Music Festival in April, where Kneecap displayed “f*** Israel, free Palestine” on the stage, the band has received a surge of backlash, including calls to revoke their work visas to the US, championed by TV personality Sharon Osborne.
The US booking agency Independent Artist Group (IAG), which sponsored Kneecap’s US work visas, announced the band is no longer their client. The band were set to tour in the US in October, with most of the shows being sold out.
I think people might be misreading your comment and you’re actually criticizing the festival hosts not the band right?
I find it ridiculous to invite e.g. Irish bands and then be surprised that they take a stance against genocide and colonization. To me it’s really a badge of honor for anyone to get canceled for being pro-Palestine.
Of course it’s a badge of honour, the opposite stance would be to be pro genocide… YSK, Kneecap took that stance multiple times before they were famous, very much at their own expense.
Nah, I’m criticising the band for bringing their views into what’s supposed to be a neutral zone. I prefer the politically charged announcements be kept for political stages. The hosts might actually share their opinion, but taking any kind of stance that naturally divides the people right now can incite dissent or violence (especially if it annoys the pro-genociders). Being cancelled for standing up for your morals and against cruelty is absolutely honourable!