Kneecap are due to play at Glasgow’s O2 Academy tonight after TRNSMT bosses removed them from the festival over safety concerns.
17:53, 08 Jul 2025Updated 21:33, 08 Jul 2025
Kneecap fans at Glasgow gig rally around trio after festival slot cancelled
Irish rap group Kneecap have arrived at a sold-out O2 Academy gig in Glasgow tonight after they were axed from TRNSMT over safety fears.
The group, made up of Mo Chara – who was recently charged with a terror offence – Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, were originally billed to headline the King Tut’s stage on Friday at the TRNSMT Festival, however they were dropped from the lineup at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland.
The trio were then booked to headline the city’s O2 Academy instead for July 8 tonight, as they did not want to disappoint their fans who hoped to see them perform in the city – with the show selling out in 80 seconds.
Móglaí Bap entered the venue wearing a Celtic shirt(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA)
The band has now arrived at the Gorbals’ venue amidst a sea of Palestine flags from Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaigners.
Pictures showed Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Móglaí Bap, entering the building wearing a retro-remake version of Celtic’s iconic 1996 bumblebee shirt.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, was pictured waving at the audience while decked out in black.
While being ushered into the venue, Naoise Ó Cairealláin can be seen carrying a leaflet calling for the charges against his bandmate to be dropped and for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be arrested.
A police car passes protesters outside the 02 Academy in Glasgow before Kneecap’s concert(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA)
Mo Chara caused controversy recently after he was charged with brandishing a flag backing banned militant group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. He appeared in court last month as a result.
The 27-year-old faced Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18 while supporters and musicians, including Paul Weller, gathered outside.
The charge related to an incident after the band’s O2 Forum show in Kentish Town, London. However, the band has branded the case against the musician as a “witch hunt”.
Police also said they are investigating Kneecap’s Sunday performance at Glastonbury, after their set was filled with expletives and calls to “free Palestine” and “f*** Keir Starmer”. However, the band pointed out that they did not call for a riot to take place.
The leaflet called for Mo Chara’s charges to be dropped(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA)
Police said they are monitoring footage from the stage. Avon and Somerset Police posted on X: “We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
Kneecap performed at Glastonbury despite TRNSMT bosses axing them from the Glasgow festival, with the BBC choosing not to broadcast their Glastonbury set live.
DF concerts made the decision to remove the rappers from the TRNSMT line-up after police raised safety concerns. Days after this, Kneecap took to social media to inform fans of the festival’s decision.
Mo Chara entering Glasgow’s O2 Academy(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA)
They wrote: “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.”
There are three other artists – Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and SZA – who are also set to perform at various locations across Glasgow tonight, and Police Scotland intend to keep everyone safe throughout all three gigs, including Kneecap’s performance.
Superintendent Paul Douglas stated: “We are aware of a number of events and concerts due to take place in the Greater Glasgow area in the week beginning Monday, 7 July, 2025.”
“A proportionate and considered policing plan is in place within the city and we are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure the safety of all those attending these events and where possible minimise disruption to the people of Glasgow,” he continued.
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