Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream are among the high-profile artists who have spoken out in support of Kneecap after one of the rap group's members called for the murder of Conservative MPs.
A video has emerged online from a November 2023 concert in which one member of the Irish trio is seen saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for Kneecap to be banned, while other politicians pushed for the band to be removed from the Glastonbury festival line-up.
In a joint statement, also signed by former BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, the group of artists said they believed there had been “an obvious, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately eliminate” Kneecap.
The statement also noted: “As artists, we feel the need to express our opposition to any attempts at political repression against freedom of artistic expression.
“In a democratic society, no political figure or party should have the right to determine who can perform at music festivals or concerts that will be attended by thousands of people.”
Full list of signatories: Annie Mac, Beoga, Bicep, Biig Piig, Blindboy Boatclub, Bob Vylan, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Delivery, Dexys, English Teacher, Enter Shikari, Fontaines DC, Gemma Dunleavy, Gurriers, Idles, Iona Zajac, Jelani Blackman, John Francis Flynn, Joshua Idehen, Katy J Pearson, Kojaque, Lankum, Lisa O'Neill, Lowkey, Massive Attack, Martyn Ware, Paul Weller, Peter Perrett, Poor Creature, Primal Scream, Pulp, Roisin El Cherif, Shirley Manson, Sleaford Mods, Soft Play, The Mary Wallopers, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy, Toddla T.
Meanwhile, Massive Attack released their own statement on Instagram, saying: “Language does matter. The horrific murders of elected politicians Jo Cox and David Emess show that there is no room for frivolity or recklessness.”
It also says politicians are “strategically creating moral outrage over the remarks of a young punk band” while ignoring the “genocide” in Gaza.
The statement added: “Knekap is not history. Gaza is history. Genocide is history.
“And the silence, the connivance and the support of these crimes against humanity by the elected British government is the real story.
“We express solidarity with all artists who have the moral courage to perform
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
