Kneecap Issue Apology to Fans as Vienna Concert Cancelled Over ‘Safety Concerns’

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

The decision comes just weeks after the group were barred from entering Hungary in July ahead of their scheduled performance at the Sziget Festival on 11 August.

Kneecap – known for their provocative lyrics, political activism and promotion of the Irish language – have faced a string of cancellations in recent months, including sets at Glasgow’s TRNSMT Festival and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The group have alleged that they are the target of a smear campaign over their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In a statement on social media on Friday, the band told fans:

“Our planned show in Vienna on September 1st is cancelled.
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.”

The venue, Gasometer Vienna, posted its own statement via organisers Racoon Live Entertainment GmbH, which read:

“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.”

Controversy and legal issues
Kneecap – comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – formed in Belfast and released their debut single in 2017.

The band have frequently courted controversy. In April, footage surfaced appearing to show a member urging gig-goers to “kill your local MP” at one event, and chanting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at another.

In May, Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London performance in November 2024.

On 18 June, Ó hAnnaidh and his bandmates were greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters as they arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Fellow musicians, including Nadine Shah and Gurriers, have pledged to attend court in solidarity when Ó hAnnaidh appears again on 20 August.

The group have issued apologies to the families of murdered MPs, insisting they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are proscribed terrorist organisations in the UK.

They were also investigated over their performance at Glastonbury Festival in June; however, in July Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that no further action would be taken.