Kneecap to face no further action over Glastonbury performance as cops drop probe
The Irish rappers had been under investigation with officiers reviewing video footage and audio recordings.
Feile 35...Kneecap unveil a new mural in the Hawthorn Street area of west Belfast on August 11th 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Police have confirmed that no further action will be taken following a review of Kneecap’s performance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.
Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking “no further action” on the grounds that there is “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the festival.
On Friday, the Belfast group posted an screenshot of a redacted email from a senior investigating officer on social media, confirming that “no further action” would be taken.
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In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: “One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.
“We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: “An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.
“Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.”
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During Bob Vylan’s performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”, while a member of Kneecap suggested fans “start a riot” outside his bandmate’s upcoming court appearance.
Band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024.
The group recently performed at Glasgow’s O2 Academy, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds.
They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police.
Earlier this week they announced new tour dates to play their “biggest run of shows ever” across Scotland, Wales and England.
Their tour will start in Bournemouth on November 14 before moving on to Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Kneecap will also perform in London at the previously announced show at OVO Arena Wembley on September 18.
