Kneecap’s Provocative Stance at Coachella 2025
The Irish rap group Kneecap made headlines during their performances at Coachella 2025 by expressing strong pro-Palestinian sentiments. This unexpected political display reportedly took festival organizers by surprise, as they were unprepared for the group’s vocal activism.
Political Messaging and Performance Highlights
Kneecap’s performances on the Sonora Stage during both weekends of the festival included chants supporting a free Palestine and critical remarks about political figures, notably Margaret Thatcher. Their first set was notably interrupted as the live stream cut off shortly after the group vocalized their views on what they described as the genocide in Gaza. The band later stated, “Not only was that cut… our messaging on the US-backed genocide in Gaza somehow never appeared on screens either.”
In response to this censorship, Kneecap harnessed the second weekend’s performance to advocate even more assertively for their cause. They arranged their own livestream, featuring political commentator Hasan Piker broadcasting the set on Twitch. Their message was unmistakably clear, displayed prominently via slogans such as:
- “Fuck Israel, Free Palestine”
- “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people”
Remarks by Mo Chara
During their second festival set, band member Mo Chara addressed the crowd, highlighting the parallels between the historical struggles of the Irish and the current plight of Palestinians. He stated, “The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the fucking skies with nowhere to go.” He continued, emphasizing the severity of the situation by asking, “If you’re not calling it a genocide what the fuck are you calling it?” This led to an enthusiastic crowd participation in a chant for a free Palestine.
Some uncensored messaging to Coachella 🤝🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/WbHZBrCZl5
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) April 19, 2025
Reactions to Kneecap’s Activism
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Paul Tollett, CEO of festival organizer Goldenvoice, expressed feeling “blindsided” by Kneecap’s actions, especially after Jewish groups criticized the festival for providing a platform for such politically charged content.
Kneecap’s activism is not new; they have consistently used their platform to advocate for Palestinian rights. Their engagement has included social media campaigns and significant fundraising efforts, including nearly £100,000 for a volunteer gym in the Aida Refugee Camp in Palestine.
Recent Controversies and Statements
The trio has also been vocal about more recent developments, condemning Israel for its actions during ceasefires and calling out political figures, such as Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, in response to U.S. policies towards Israel.
Earlier this year, following the exclusion of their film from the Oscar nominations, they publicly denounced the Academy by tweeting, “Fuck the Oscars. Free Palestine.” This incident underscores their commitment to raising awareness around the Palestinian issue.
For further insights from their performances, you can find relevant videos on platforms like YouTube.
Conclusion
Kneecap’s bold political messaging at Coachella 2025 not only challenged the norms of music festivals but also reignited discussions on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, solidifying their reputation as activists in the music industry.