The Belfast-based rap group Kneecap electrified the crowds at Glastonbury's West Holts stage, delivering a performance charged with political fervor and defiance. The trio, known for their Irish-language lyrics and cutting social commentary, made headlines recently following a terrorism charge against one of their members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara. This charge stems from an incident last year where he allegedly displayed a flag associated with the proscribed terrorist organization Hezbollah during a performance. Ó hAnnaidh has staunchly denied the allegations.

Adding to the controversy, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled Kneecap's presence at Glastonbury as 'not appropriate'. However, during their performance, the band expressed gratitude to the festival organizers for allowing them to take the stage despite the political pushback. They reminded the audience that the prime minister's objections were directed at them, stating, 'the prime minister of your country, not mine, said he didn't want us to play'. This bold statement set the tone for a performance that would resonate not just as entertainment, but as a rallying cry for many in attendance.

Ó hAnnaidh, wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, proclaimed, 'Glastonbury, I am a free man!' as he reached out to the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered, some arriving 45 minutes early due to the immense interest in their set. The bandmates, including Naoise Ó Cairealláin, known as Móglaí Bap, condemned the terrorism charge as a 'trumped-up' accusation, drawing parallels to historical injustices faced by Irish individuals within the British legal system. He urged concert-goers to show up for Ó hAnnaidh’s upcoming court hearing in August, thereby mobilizing support and solidarity.

The atmosphere during their performance was electric, with thousands of fans igniting smoke flares and creating a vibrant mosh pit, displaying an exuberance that matched the band’s raucous, energizing electro-rap sound. Despite the hedonistic vibes, the group did not shy away from addressing serious global issues, particularly their stance on Israel's military actions in Gaza. Ó hAnnaidh accused Israel of genocide, leading the audience in chants of 'free, free Palestine'. This sentiment was echoed with their support for Palestine Action, a protest group facing potential designation as a terrorist organization by the UK government for its direct action against military installations.

The group, formed in 2017, gained significant recognition in the music scene after starring in a semi-autobiographical film alongside Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender. Their commitment to vocalize support for Palestine has placed them under intense scrutiny, especially following their recent appearance at the Coachella Festival, which also attracted political commentary. The backlash intensified after footage surfaced showing Ó hAnnaidh with the Hezbollah flag, prompting an investigation by anti-terrorism police leading to the charges. Despite the political backlash, Kneecap found staunch support from Glastonbury’s founder, Sir Michael Eavis, and his daughter, Emily, who emphasized the festival's commitment to providing a platform for diverse artists regardless of political views.

In response to the pressure the festival faced, Ó hAnnaidh praised Eavis and his family for standing firm against the controversy, stating, 'The pressure that that family was under and they stood strong. Fair play to them.' The performance not only marked a moment of artistic expression but also served as a notable statement on freedom of expression in the face of political adversity.