Music legends sign statement backing Kneecap – The Irish News

Music legends including Paul Weller and Pulp are among 40 high profile artists and bands who have signed a statement in support of under fire rap group Kneecap.
The West Belfast based group have faced a backlash this week over allegations they called for the death of Tory MPs during a concert in 2023.
Police in England are also investigating claims members of the band shouted “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a gig last year.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the comments were “completely unacceptable” and “condemns them in the strongest possible terms”.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the hugely popular band to be prosecuted.
The band later apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox adding its members do not support “and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah”.
Several concerts involving the band have been cancelled in recent days.
However, dozens of artists, including some of the biggest names in Irish and British music, have come out in support of the group.
“This past week has seen a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform the band Kneecap,” the signed letter said.
“In Westminster and the British media, senior political figures in Britain have been openly engaged in a campaign to remove Kneecap from the public eye, with veiled threats being made over their scheduled performances at gigs, outdoor events and music festivals, including Glastonbury.”
The musicians suggested there was a wider campaign.
“Chillingly, it is also clear to us that influential figures and personalities within the wider music industry are attempting to influence this campaign of intimidation,” they said.
“As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.
“In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”
The musicians said artistic freedom must be defended.
“The question of agreeing with Kneecap’s political views is irrelevant: it is in the key interests of every artist that all creative expression be protected in a society that values culture, and that this interference campaign is condemned and ridiculed.
“Furthermore, it is also the duty of key leadership figures in the music industry to actively defend artistic freedom of expression – rather than seek to silence views which oppose their own.”
Artists, including Paul Weller, have signed the statement.
He came to fame in the 1970 with rock band The Jam.
Irish music legends backing the band include Christie Moore, Damien Dempsey, The Pogues sand Thin Lizzy.
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