Irish rap group Kneecap have been cut from the lineup of Scotland’s biggest music festival, TRNSMT.
The trio had been due to headline the main stage on 11 July for opening night, however have been axed due to “concerns expressed by police”, the Irish group have said.
They will instead play their own solo headline show at the 02 Academy on 8 July, just days before TRNSMT.
Kneecap said in a social media statement: “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. To try to make up for it, we will be at your 02 Academy on Tuesday July 8th.”
Last week, Police Scotland said allowing the trio to perform at TRNSMT would require “a significant policing operation”.
DF Concerts, TRNSMT promoters, said: “Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July.”
“We thank fans for their understanding.”
Last week it was announced Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in London.
The 27-year-old was charged after an investigation by the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command and is expected to appear at Westminster magistrates court on 18 June.
He denies the charge, which the group has alleged is “political policing” and a distraction from their ongoing pro-Palestinian activism.
The Belfast trio were also criticised over 2023 gig footage which appeared to show a band member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney had backed calls for Kneecap to be axed from the TRNSMT lineup over the comment.
The group, also made up of Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, apologised last month, but claimed footage of the incident had been “exploited and weaponised”.
They also stated they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned in the UK.
Kneecap are still set to perform at Glastonbury where they are listed on the lineup for Saturday 28 June.