Johnny Marr Backs Kneecap’s Glastonbury Gig and Stands with Musicians Advocating for Palestine

Johnny Marr expresses strong support for Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance and musicians calling for justice and peace in Palestine.

Johnny Marr Shows Solidarity with Kneecap Amid Glastonbury Controversy

Johnny Marr is standing firmly behind Kneecap as the Irish rap trio faces calls to be censored at Glastonbury 2025. The legendary guitarist has condemned efforts to block Kneecap from performing at the iconic festival, highlighting the importance of political expression in music festivals.

Kneecap’s Controversial Journey: From Coachella to Glastonbury

Over recent months, Kneecap has been at the center of heated debate. The group made headlines after their April performance at Coachella, where their pro-Palestinian messages reportedly caught organizers off guard. Further controversy erupted when footage from their 2024 concerts surfaced, allegedly showing the group displaying a Hezbollah flag—a proscribed terrorist organization in the UK.

These events led to serious consequences for Kneecap’s member Mo Chara, who has been charged with a terror offense by the Metropolitan Police. Several of the band’s live shows have since been canceled. Mo Chara is scheduled to appear in court on June 18.

Kneecap’s Response: Denying Support for Terrorism

Kneecap has consistently denied any support for Hamas or Hezbollah, stressing that their music does not incite violence. The band insists that the footage in question was taken out of context and describes the legal proceedings as a “carnival of distraction.” They have used their platform, including their headline set at London’s Wide Awake festival, to reaffirm their support for Palestine and resist attempts to silence them ahead of their Glastonbury appearance.

Watch Kneecap’s Glastonbury 2024 Interview

Check out Kneecap talking about their influences and political stance during Glastonbury 2024:

Love Music Hate Racism Defends Kneecap’s Right to Perform

On June 12, the campaign group Love Music Hate Racism publicly supported Kneecap, stating:

“Anyone trying to silence them, or get them pulled from shows, is on the wrong side of history. We call on all to stand with Kneecap and defend Mo Chara on 18 June outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London.”

Johnny Marr’s Stand: Music Festivals as Platforms for Political Activism

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on June 16, Johnny Marr shared his thoughts on the controversy:

“After learning that calls have been made for Kneecap to be censored during their Glastonbury set, I think it’s important that I make my own position clear. I’ve played Glastonbury many times and the festival has always had a political aspect.”

Marr emphasized that Glastonbury was founded as a place for free expression and activism. He recalled how playing with The Smiths at Glastonbury in 1984 was a political statement in itself.

“Oppression fears artistic expression. I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give voice to the voiceless. I stand with my audience and fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine.” – Johnny Marr

Support from Music Legends and Peers

Johnny Marr’s backing aligns him with other influential artists like Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten, who recently described the terror charge against Mo Chara as a “witch hunt.”

Conclusion

The debate around Kneecap’s presence at Glastonbury highlights the complex intersection of music, politics, and freedom of expression. Do you believe music festivals should remain platforms for political activism, no matter how controversial? Share your thoughts!

FAQs

• What controversy surrounds Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance?
  Kneecap faces criticism for their pro-Palestinian messages and alleged display of a Hezbollah flag, leading to calls for their censorship at Glastonbury 2025.
• What charges does Mo Chara face?
  Mo Chara, a member of Kneecap, has been charged with a terror offense and is due to appear in court on June 18.
• How has Kneecap responded to the allegations?
  The band denies supporting terrorism, argues the footage was taken out of context, and calls the legal actions a “carnival of distraction.”
• What stance has Johnny Marr taken regarding Kneecap?
  Johnny Marr supports Kneecap’s right to perform at Glastonbury and defends the festival’s role as a hub for political expression.
• How can fans show support for Kneecap and Mo Chara?
  Campaigns like Love Music Hate Racism encourage supporters to stand with the band and attend court hearings, promoting solidarity for free speech and justice.

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