Johnny Marr Defends Kneecap Amid Glastonbury Censorship Calls

Johnny Marr has publicly supported the Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap amid calls to censor their performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025 due to their outspoken pro-Palestine activism. Marr emphasized Glastonbury's historical role as a platform for political expression and free speech, recalling his own politically charged performance with The Smiths in 1984. Kneecap has faced significant backlash following their 2024 Coachella set and the charging of member Mo Chara with a terror offense related to allegations of displaying a Hezbollah flag, which the band denies as taken out of context. Despite the controversy, Kneecap continue to receive widespread support from fellow musicians and fans, with their Glastonbury slot confirmed and their performances garnering strong attendance. Marr reiterated his respect for artists who use their platforms to advocate against injustice and called for an immediate end to the atrocities in Gaza and a free Palestine. The band and their supporters argue that efforts to silence them represent a broader attempt to suppress political expression in music.