Kneecap apologise to fans after Vienna show cancelled due to ‘safety concerns’

Belfast rap trio Kneecap have apologised to fans after their show in Vienna was cancelled “due to acute safety concerns”.

It comes after the group was banned from entering Hungary in July in advance of a scheduled performance at Sziget Festival on August 11th.

The group, known for provocative lyrics and championing the Irish language, has had several shows cancelled in recent months, including at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The trio have said there is a smear campaign against them because of their support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

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In a social media post on Friday, the group said: “Our planned show in Vienna on September 1st is cancelled”.

The social media post added: “To the 3,500 people we were looking forward to seeing at our first headline show in Vienna, we are sorry: this is out of our hands.

“All tickets will be refunded. Yet again, it is clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.

“But as always, we will fight on for what is right.”

[ Kneecap will face no further action over Glastonbury performance, police sayOpens in new window ]

Kneecap, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, was formed in Belfast. Photograph: Leon Neal/ Getty Images

A note on the venue’s website said: “Racoon Live Entertainment GmbH hereby cancels the planned Kneecap show on September 1, 2025, at the Gasometer Vienna due to acute safety concerns raised by the responsible authorities”.

Kneecap, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, was formed in Belfast and released its first single in 2017.

They hit headlines in April when footage emerged appearing to show a band member saying “Kill your local MP” at one gig and “Up Hamas, up Hizbullah” at another.

In May, Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hizbullah at a London gig in November 2024.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh and his bandmates were cheered by hundreds of supporters when they arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 18th.

Musicians including Nadine Shah and Gurriers have said they will attend court to support the group when Mr Ó hAnnaidh returns on August 20th.

Kneecap apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hizbullah, which are banned in the UK.

They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but Avon and Somerset Police said in July it would be taking no further action. – PA