Irish Band Kneecap Shocks Coachella Audience with Anti-Israel Messages, Surprising Festival Organizers

Irish hip-hop group Kneecap made a splash at Coachella 2025, but not in the way many bands do. During their performance in the Sonora tent on April 18, they displayed messages condemning Israel and calling to "free Palestine." They also criticized the U.S. for its military support of Israel.

This political performance stirred strong reactions from Jewish community leaders, who are calling on the festival’s promoter, Goldenvoice, to account for booking a band associated with extremist views linked to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Following their set, Kneecap took to social media, urging young Americans to share their message with President Trump, using a derogatory term for him.

Goldenvoice’s CEO, Paul Tollett, reportedly felt blindsided by the band’s actions. Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry, noted Tollett’s commitment to victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, highlighting his character and previous advocacy for peace.

Interestingly, the Sonora tent, which is usually more intimate and punk-oriented, did not livestream Kneecap’s set. This led some to suspect it was a conscious decision to avoid broadcasting potentially inflammatory messages. During their first weekend performance, the streaming ended before the set concluded.

Kneecap, hailing from Belfast, formed in 2017 and quickly became known for their provocative lyrics and political stance. Their debut single "C.E.A.R.T.A.," premiering in 2018, addressed human rights. Their latest music reflects a blend of political themes and a cultural identity tied to Irish Republicanism.

The group had previously accused Coachella of censoring their pro-Palestine views and chants against Margaret Thatcher. They returned for weekend two, doubling down with chants such as "free Palestine." They expressed their stance by comparing their struggles to ongoing oppression faced by Palestinians, emphasizing their commitment to political expression.

Feedback to Kneecap’s Coachella appearance was mixed. The nonprofit Creative Community for Peace voiced its concern, aiming to pressurize Goldenvoice to reconsider hosting the group. Executive Director Ari Ingel highlighted the troubling reality of antisemitism in today’s society, emphasizing that festivals should unify rather than divide.

Community groups affected by the tragedy of the Nova Music Festival also expressed disappointment. They invited Kneecap to engage with survivors to foster understanding rather than hostility.

Kneecap isn’t just a music group. They appeared in a movie alongside Michael Fassbender, which premiered at Sundance 2024 as the first Irish language film featured there. Their film showcased their origins, receiving accolades and stirring conversations about cultural identity.

This incident reflects the ongoing intersection of art and socio-political issues and invites us to think about the role of music as a medium for expression. As the music community continues to grapple with such controversial topics, the discussion surrounding Kneecap’s performance at Coachella will likely echo in the years to come. For more about festival dynamics and artist statements, the Hollywood Reporter provides ongoing coverage of these evolving narratives.

Source link

Coachella,Israel-Gaza Conflict,Kneecap,music