Kneecap cancels US tour dates

Photo Credit: Kneecap (Instagram)

Irish rap group Kneecap has cancelled all of its upcoming U.S. tour dates in October. But the Canadian dates in Vancouver and Toronto are still a go.

Kneecap, the Irish rap group that stirred controversy at Coachella and other appearances with statements against the Israeli government, has cancelled all upcoming U.S. tour dates in October. According to the band’s Instagram, the cancellation is due to scheduling conflicts with band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s upcoming court hearing in London. However, North American dates in Canada will continue as scheduled.

Ó hAnnaidh, better known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged with displaying a flag of paramilitary group Hezbollah during a London concert last year. He has denied the charges against him and says Kneecap does not support Hamas, Hezbollah, or other terrorist groups.

“Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour, […] we will have to cancel all 15 U.S. tour dates in October,” the band wrote on their official Instagram page. “With every show fully sold out, to tens of thousands of fans, this is news we are sad to deliver. […] Refunds are available at point of purchase.”

The band also promised to “embark on an even bigger tour” in the U.S. after their court case is settled—and the band feels confident they will win.

“We also have some good news. We will be sharing something very special for U.S. fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October,” they added. “It’s top secret for now but all will be revealed next week—stay tuned.”

While the band’s U.S. dates have been cancelled, they note that their Canadian dates are not affected. Their four sold-out shows in Vancouver and Toronto will go ahead as planned.

Regardless of their upcoming court date, their U.S. tour going off without a hitch was questionable at best. The Israeli government’s war against Hamas in Gaza has been a divisive issue in the United States. Kneecap would undoubtedly have met with some resistance getting through customs since their performance at this year’s Coachella festival.