Kneecap London Wide Awake Headline Set Proceeds After Multiple Cancellations

Irish rap trio Kneecap's headline performance at London's Wide Awake festival is set to proceed as scheduled despite widespread cancellations of their other concerts following controversy over videos showing band members allegedly supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and calling for violence against Conservative MPs. The group has faced a UK counter-terrorism police investigation due to footage from 2023 and 2024, and several UK and German shows, including at the Eden Project and major German festivals, have been cancelled. Kneecap has apologized to the families of murdered MPs but denied supporting any banned organizations, claiming the footage was exploited and weaponized. Wide Awake Festival, emphasizing its commitment to the alternative music scene, confirmed the band's May 23 Brockwell Park performance after discussions with stakeholders. The controversy escalated after their Coachella 2025 set, which featured pro-Palestinian slogans and speeches supporting Gaza, leading to calls for visa revocation and further cancellations. Notable artists and figures have publicly defended Kneecap, warning against censorship and deplatforming amid the dispute.