Teh Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap announced a last-minute, intimate show in London on May 22, taking the stage at the 100 Club on Oxford Street. The 350-capacity venue hosted the group a day after member Mo Chara faced a terror offense charge, which the band has vehemently denied.

The Show Must Go On

Kneecap shared details about the London gig, stating, London. We’re back. The performance served as a warm-up for their headline set at Wide Awake 2025 in Brockwell park on may 23.

Tickets for the 100 Club concert went on general sale at 4 p.m.BST. Fans were directed to join the band’s official WhatsApp channel to obtain the ticket link.

Controversy and Context

The declaration poster for the show featured a recent quote from John Lydon, who said the trio need a bloody good kneecapping in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the band.

Terror Offense Charge

Mo Chara,27,whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh,has been charged with a terror offense following an inquiry by the metropolitan Police. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

The charge stems from an alleged incident on Nov. 21, 2024, during a show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, where he purportedly displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization.

Kneecap responded to the terror charge by stating they deny the offense and would vehemently defend ourselves. They added, this is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.We are not the story. Genocide is.

Background: Coachella and Counter-Terrorism

Following Kneecap’s statements in support of Palestine at Coachella 2025, which reportedly blindsided festival organizers, counter-terror police began assessing footage from the London gig. The video allegedly shows Mo Chara shouting: Up Hamas, up Hezbollah. Supporting either of these organizations is a crime in the U.K.

The band has denied supporting either hamas or Hezbollah and stated that they would not incite violence against any individuals. They have also argued that the footage had been taken out of context.

Fallout and Support

as the investigation began, Kneecap has been removed from several festivals, including scheduled German appearances at both Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival. They were also axed from the eden Project bill in Cornwall before announcing a replacement show in Plymouth, which was subsequently canceled as well.

Members of Parliament have called for their removal from the lineups of TRNSMT, Glastonbury, and more.

Despite these setbacks, Kneecap was scheduled to perform at wide Awake 2025. The event itself has faced challenges,including a recent court ruling,but organizers Brockwell Live have confirmed that no event will be canceled as an inevitable result of the high Court’s decision.

Various figures from the music world have expressed their support for Kneecap. Tom Morello, Brian Eno, Pulp, and Fontaines D.C. are among those who have signed an open letter to protect freedom of expression. Massive Attack, who have boycotted performing in Israel, also supported the band by saying: Kneecap are not the story.Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story.