Controversy at Glastonbury Music Festival
#glastonbury #music #controversy
Bob Vylan and Kneecap's performances at Glastonbury spark debates about artistic freedom and responsibility.
Kneecap is an Irish hip-hop trio from Belfast, Northern Ireland, consisting of members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. They are notable for rapping primarily in the Irish language, blending Irish and English with satire, socially conscious lyrics, and street culture influences. The group emerged publicly in 2017 with their single "C.E.A.R.T.A.," inspired by an incident involving Irish language activism and police interaction. Their music often reflects life in working-class West Belfast, touching on themes of identity, politics, and youth culture with a rebellious and humorous tone[2][3][4]. Kneecap quickly gained attention for their candid lyrics, which include references to drug use and criticism of the police, leading to some controversy and even bans from certain Irish-language radio stations. Despite this, they have built a significant following across Ireland, the UK, and the US, known for their energetic performances and party atmosphere[2][4]. Their first full-length album, *3CAG*, released in 2018, received critical acclaim for its fusion of languages and raw depiction of post-Troubles Northern Ireland life. The album's title references MDMA slang, reflecting their openness about contemporary youth experiences[2]. In 2024, a semi-autobiographical film titled *Kneecap* premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, funded partly by public money and receiving positive reviews, further boosting their profile[3][5]. In 2025, Kneecap participated in the "No Music For Genocide" boycott by geo-blocking their music in Israel as a protest against the Gaza genocide. That same year, legal charges against member Mo Chara were dismissed due to procedural issues[2]. Kneecap remains a prominent and provocative voice in Irish-language hip-hop, known for their cultural activism, outspoken lyrics, and significant influence on contemporary Irish music and youth culture[4].
#glastonbury #music #controversy
Bob Vylan and Kneecap's performances at Glastonbury spark debates about artistic freedom and responsibility.