A planned concert in Vienna by Belfast-based rap group Kneecap has been cancelled over “acute security concerns” cited by local authorities regarding the group’s pro-Palestinian activism. The show, scheduled for 1 September at the Gasometer and announced only a week earlier, was called off by organiser Racoon Live Entertainment, which confirmed that ticket holders can claim refunds, reports ORF.at.
Kneecap, known for its pro-Palestinian activism and controversial on-stage chants such as “F*** Israel!”, has faced increasing backlash in Europe. The group has previously been banned from major music festivals, including Hurricane and Southside, and earlier this month, Hungary barred them from entering the country to perform at the Sziget Festival. Critics have accused the band of antisemitic hate speech and of expressing support for the militant group Hamas.
In Vienna, the cancellation comes shortly after a planned open-air screening of Kneecap, a film about the band, was also dropped by the Volxkino association, citing “threats” and security risks. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) had publicly called for the concert’s cancellation, pointing to the group’s record of inflammatory statements.
British police recently closed an investigation into Kneecap’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival over alleged anti-Israel slogans, saying there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges. “We performed a historic concert at Glastonbury, and everyone who saw our performance knows that no law was broken,” the band said in response.
Photo Credit: Henry Nicholls/ AFP/ Getty Images
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