Kneecap, the acclaimed Irish hip-hop group known for their energetic performances and blend of Irish and English lyrics, has announced the cancellation of their entire 2025 United States tour. The decision comes as band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, professionally known as Mo Chara, faces a terrorism-related charge in the UK, with a crucial court hearing scheduled for September 26. This date falls just days before the US leg of their tour was set to commence on October 1 in New York City.
Tour Cancellation and Legal Background
The cancellation affects all 15 scheduled US dates, which were reportedly sold out, disappointing tens of thousands of fans across the country. Kneecap confirmed the news via social media in late August 2025, stating that the “close proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour” made it impossible to proceed.
The charge against Mo Chara stems from an incident in November 2024, during a concert in London, where he is accused of displaying a flag associated with Hezbollah, a proscribed organization in the UK. The 27-year-old from Belfast has denied the charges, with the band characterizing the legal action as a “witch-hunt” by the British government and an attempt to silence them. His defense team has also argued that the charges were brought outside the legal time limit. The court hearing on September 26 is expected to determine if Mo Chara will stand trial.
A “Top Secret” Engagement for US Fans
Despite the tour’s cancellation, Kneecap is committed to maintaining a connection with their US fanbase. The band has announced a special one-off livestream concert, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. EST (6:00 p.m. PST). This event will be broadcast live from a “secret location in Ireland” and is being framed as an act of defiance and solidarity. The livestream will also be shown in a special ticketed screening at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre in New York City, offering fans a communal viewing experience complete with a screen-printed poster and merchandise. Tickets for the online stream are priced around $15, with presale for the Kings Theatre event beginning September 4 and general sale on September 5.
In their statement, the band expressed their regret over the cancellations but vowed to return with an even larger tour once their legal challenges are resolved. They described the upcoming livestream as “much more than a gig” and “a moment for us all to stand together in defiance and solidarity”. The band has also teased “very special guests” for the October 10 event, with their identities yet to be disclosed.
Canadian Shows Proceed as Planned
While the US dates have been scrapped, Kneecap’s scheduled shows in Canada are unaffected and will proceed as planned. The band is set to play four sold-out concerts in Vancouver and Toronto in October. These include dates at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver on October 22 and 23, and at History in Toronto on October 14 and 15.
Broader Context and Artistic Expression
The legal troubles facing Mo Chara and Kneecap are intertwined with their outspoken political stance, particularly their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel. The band gained significant public attention earlier in 2025 for projecting anti-Israel messages, including “F–k Israel. Free Palestine,” during their performance at the Coachella music festival. Their performances at festivals like Rock en Seine in Paris have also drawn protests and counter-demonstrations, highlighting the charged political climate surrounding their music.
Kneecap, composed of Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), perform in both Irish and English, using their platform to address social and political issues, including the historical suppression of the Irish language. The band has previously faced controversy, including an incident where a video appeared to show a member saying “Kill your local MP,” for which the band issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs. They also won a legal case against the UK government for unlawfully withholding arts funding due to their perceived anti-British politics.
The situation underscores the ongoing debate about freedom of expression, artistic integrity, and the application of anti-terror legislation in the context of political commentary within the music industry. While some organizations have called for the band’s work visas to be revoked, numerous other music acts and artists have publicly supported Kneecap, signing open letters that defend their right to speak out against perceived injustices, stating, “Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story”.
The cancellation of the US tour marks a significant moment for Kneecap, impacting their extensive fanbase. However, their planned livestream and continued engagement with their supporters demonstrate a resolve to overcome these obstacles and continue their artistic and political advocacy, aiming to connect with their audience through innovative means. The band’s journey, from cult heroes to mainstream success, continues to be a narrative of resistance and a testament to the power of music as a tool for social commentary, making this a top story in the hip hop world.
