Introduction to Kneecap
Kneecap, a Belfast-based rap trio, has been making headlines recently. One of its members was accused of supporting a forbidden terrorist organization, which he denied. The group has been in the news again after being "forbidden" to advertise one of their posters on the London underground.
The Rejected Advertisement
The rejected advertisement featured the group’s logo, which is a Balaclava, a type of headgear worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The poster promoted a September concert at the Ovo Arena Wembley in London. Transport for London (TFL) stated that the advertisement was rejected because it would "probably cause widespread or serious offense to reasonable members of the public."
Previous Advertisements
Interestingly, the Balaclava-style logo was previously used in smaller advertisements for the band’s summer 2024 gigs on the TFL network. However, this specific poster was rejected, not a total ban on Kneecap’s advertisements.
Reaction from the Group
The group expressed their disappointment, stating that it was an example of "petty political policing and interference." They mentioned that they had used the tube to advertise many times before without any issues.
Upcoming Performance
The performance at the Ovo Arena Wembley will be the group’s first in the capital since they supported the Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC in a sold-out show in Finsbury Park on July 5.
Controversy Surrounding the Group
One of the group’s members, Liam OG O’Hannaidh, also known as Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorist offense related to supporting Hezbollah. He is due in court next month.
"Careful Consideration"
TFL stated that all advertisements submitted to their network are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. After careful consideration, the Kneecap advertisement was rejected because it was deemed likely to cause widespread offense or serious crime.
Recent Gigs and Performances
The group recently performed at a sold-out gig at Glasgow’s O2, which sold out in 80 seconds. They were also scheduled to perform at the Trnsmt Festival in Glasgow, but their set was canceled after concerns from the police. At the Glastonbury Festival in June, the group performed a set with a sea of Palestinian flags, sparking controversy.
