TRNSMT just lost one of its most explosive acts. Belfast rap provocateurs Kneecap have been booted from the lineup following intervention from Police Scotland less than two months out from the festival.
The Irish-language hip-hop collective were originally booked to bring their blend of punk spirit, political bite, and rebel energy to Glasgow Green in July. But local law enforcement weren’t consulted before their slot was locked in, and they weren’t thrilled when they found out.
In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the UK music scene, police reportedly flagged that the trio’s appearance could demand “a significant policing operation” due to their public profile and the crowd’s potential reaction.
Whatever those “concerns” involved, they’ve clearly made an impact—Kneecap are officially off the TRNSMT bill.
“It’s Out of Our Hands”
Responding to the news online, the group posted a statement expressing frustration and disappointment, while confirming their removal:
“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.”
The message wasn’t subtle, and neither was their follow-up clarification: “Kneecap didn’t ‘pull out’—Kneecap were removed.”
A Charged Backdrop
The timing isn’t random. The cancellation follows recent headlines involving group member Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), who has been charged under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly expressing support for proscribed organisations in past videos.
The band has rejected the charges, calling them politically motivated. Mo Chara is due in court in June, and the group say they plan to fight the accusations in full.
Against that backdrop, TRNSMT’s decision (or the pressure behind it) feels like part of a wider trend, Kneecap were also recently scrubbed from the lineup of two German festivals in the wake of similar scrutiny.
O2 Academy Show Announced: “We’re Still Coming to Glasgow”
Not ones to vanish quietly, Kneecap have pivoted with a headline show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Tuesday 8 July 2025, just two days after the TRNSMT weekend.
“To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th. 🔥
The venue might be smaller than a festival field, but if Kneecap’s past Scottish shows are anything to go by, the energy will be twice as fierce—and twice as political.
Festival Fallout or Free Speech Flashpoint?
The decision to drop Kneecap taps into a bigger conversation around censorship, public order, and the politics of performance. Is this a case of responsible event management? Or are festival organisers letting state pressure determine their lineups?
Whatever your take, this isn’t just a lost festival slot—it’s another flashpoint in Kneecap’s ongoing clash with the establishment.
– Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am in our WhatsApp channel.
