The Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap are ploughing ahead with their European tour despite a ban on entering Hungary, the cancellation of a string of concerts in Austria and Germany, and the intense scrutiny of authorities in France. The Irish-language group will this Sunday play in front an expected 40,000 spectators at the Rock en Seine festival west of Paris, one of France's biggest live music events of the year, just days after one of their members appeared at a London court on a terrorism charge.
The group has faced several show cancellations, including performances at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and the Eden Project in Cornwall, following their ban from entering Hungary for Sziget Festival.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that further action will not be taken due to insufficient evidence for any potential convictions concerning commented made during Kneecap's Glastonbury performance.
The bonfire at Meridi Street burned effigies of rap trio Kneecap and had an Irish language slogan urging people to "kill your local Kneecap." This ignited further controversy.
Kneecap's poster for their upcoming Wembley Arena show was rejected by Transport for London due to concerns it might cause widespread or serious offense, despite previous promotions being allowed.
When Kneecap performed at Glastonbury music festival this year, bandmember Mo Chara told the crowd, 'us three have no right to be on this stage in front of this many people, rapping predominantly in a language that even people at home don't even speak.' Kneecap has risen to prominence amidst controversy surrounding its shows and political statements.