Kneecap cancel US tour amid court case and release 'sad' statement to fans
The Irish rap trio have had to cancel their whole US tour.
Kneecap have announced that they have cancelled their whole US tour this October amid a pending court case.
A member of the Irish rap group is due to appear in court for allegedly supporting a proscribed terror organisation.
On Instagram, the group said that they have had to cancel all 15 of the US shows.
They said: "To all our US based fans we have some bad news. Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London to te 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 news we are sad to deliver. But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger your to all you great heads. Refunds are available at point of purchase."
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
Fans flocked to the comments of the post sharing their support.
One wrote: "Totally understandable, hope you guys come soon!!"
Another wrote: "Oh man. That's so heartbreaking, but it's understood. Hope to see you someday."
While one added: "Keep fighting your US fans will be here to support you when you can make it back to us."
"Kinda knew this would happen, but totally understand. We are rooting for you and waiting for ya when you get here", another penned.
Last week, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, fans gathered in support of the rapper.
The Metropolitan Police imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court could take place on Wednesday, saying they were needed to "prevent serious disruption".
In response the rap group described this move as a "calculated political decision" that was "designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome" and "asked supporters to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful".
O hAnnaidh received a rockstar welcome when he appeared at the same court back in June, supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh.
He was greeted by a festival-like atmosphere for his first court appearance, with dozens of fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister.
The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was a "wholly different thing".
O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge.
Last month, the rap trio were supposed to be playing at Glasgow's TRNSMT Festival, however they were axed after Police Scotland raised concerns with event promoters DFC over security issues.
At the time, a Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "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 that 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."
Kneecap later played a sold-out at the Glasgow Academy in July days before the TRNSMT festival took place.
Ó hAnnaidh asked the crowd "What's your first minister's name?" before directing an expletive at Swinney. He added: "They stopped us playing TRNSMT but they can't stop us playing Glasgow."
The Belfast based group are also set to perform 14 shows across Scotland, England and Wales later this year. The tour includes a headline performances at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on November 30, 2025, marking the groups biggest show in Glasgow to date.
Taking to Instagram, Kneecap's official account wrote: "Glasgow SOLD OUT in a few hours. 13,000 Scottish F****** comrades... let's go!"
In a jibe to First Minister John Swinney, they added: "A very special thank you to our Head of PR in Scotland Mr John Swinney... best in the business".
After they played at Glastonbury in June, an investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival.
The group took to social media to share an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer.
In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: “One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.
“We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: “An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.
“Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.”