Kneecap hit out at DUP as Derry concert controversy brews

Stephen Porzio

The Irish-language band are not happy.

Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have taken to Twitter to hit out at the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as controversy brews over a scheduled gig by the band in Derry this month.

The Northern Irish rappers – fresh off the success of their acclaimed Oscar-hopeful biographical comedy-drama movie – were initially set to perform at St Columb’s Park in the Waterside on 2 November.

This was, however, rescheduled to 23 November with promoters Sorcass stating that the move was due to timing issues in regards securing a licence for the initial date.

Derry City and Strabane District Council in a statement said: “A further application has now been received for a new date and this will also be considered in line with the statutory processes and the council’s own procedures.”

On top of this though, the promoters have said that the gig by Kneecap – known for their politically-charged lyrics – is facing “unexpected objections from local representatives”.

One person who has a problem with Kneecap performing at St. Columb’s Park is Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member Gary Middleton.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, he stated that the park is a “shared space” which over the years has had issues around sectarian attacks.

He then said: “The idea of bringing a group such as Kneecap, a provocative, controversial group, with all that goes with it in terms of their lyrics and their behaviour… the idea of bringing that to the park is something which I think the majority of people would recognise is not a wise idea.

“Personally, I know of many, many – and we’re talking a hundred, more, people – who have raised concerns.

“There’s genuine concerns obviously in relation to the actual act themselves, the glorification of terrorism and drug use – some of the words that are used that obviously are there to hurt victims of IRA violence.”

Kneecap have stressed in the past that they are not anti-British, explaining: “We have English family. We have loads of good friends who call themselves British. It’s the British government we don’t like.”

Middleton also told the BBC: “We’re not about censorship. I understand that there’s a group of people who will think that Kneecap are a fantastic band.

“For me, I believe that they strive on controversy rather than talent, with respect.

“I suppose what my job is to do is to represent people and people have genuine concerns, ones which I of course share.

“If people have genuine concerns then regardless of who the group are or where they’re from, if I believe that actually this is not something which is going to benefit our city in terms of moving people forward or creating a shared society within this particular case, the likes of St. Columb’s Park, then it’s not something that that I would welcome, of course not.

“But we’re not in the business of censorship. The promoter has indicated that he’s already considering other venues and I think that’s very much welcome.”

In response to Middelton, Kneecap posted on Twitter some of the politician’s comments alongside a caption that included the words “The DUP” and a dinosaur emoji.

The band added: “We’ve played gigs across the world this year but in [band member] Próvaí’s home town this is the craic….

“F*ck the DUP – Free Palestine.”

On the planned concert, Cllr Brian Tierney of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) – who sits on the council committee that will ultimately decide if the gig goes ahead – told the BBC that the show could not be stopped just because some people do not like the band’s music.

He explained: “We’re going to try and make sure this application stacks up and if it does and if we can address the concerns of local residents, I don’t see why this event can’t go ahead with the proper process being wrapped around it.

“We can’t just disallow something because some people may not like the music that is particular band is going to play.”

Organisers Sorcass have said an alternative venue will be considered if the concert cannot be staged at St Columb’s Park.

“What we are definitely committing to is that Kneecap will be here on 23 November… we’ll make this happen,” a representative told the BBC.

The DUP 🦕😂

We’ve played gigs across the world this year but in Próvaí’s home town this is the craic….

DUP Gerry Middleton: “The idea of bringing Kneecap, a provocative, controversial group, with all that goes with it in terms of their lyrics and behaviour… the idea of…
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) October 11, 2024

Elton John recently called Kneecap ‘amazing’ and ‘brave’ in an interview with the Irish language hip-hop group.

The ‘Rocketman’ icon spoke to Kneecap members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí as part of his Apple podcast ‘Rocket Hour’.

In a clip from their discussion posted online, Elton can be seen saying to Kneecap: “I find that your music tackles controversial subjects, and you said that unless we make a topic of it, or unless we make fun of it, it is never going to get any better.

“I think you are very brave to do that. You are very brave to speak out. You come from a humorous place. It just makes me happy.

“Now, you wouldn’t think an old softie like me would be interested in Kneecap, but I am because of the energy, the music, the power. Not many people have that power.

“I wish you so much luck on your touring. I will try and come and track you down, give you a big hug and we’ll have a great time. But I think you’re amazing.”

You can watch the clip below:

Well well a chairde Gael!

We're joining @eltonjohn on his #RocketHour 🚀 radio show tomorrow (Saturday) on AppleMusic 🍏 (5pm BST) https://t.co/xGB7bB3RoN pic.twitter.com/aJPA6LRgvz
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) September 27, 2024