Countless artists and musicians across Ireland have been left out of pocket following event cancellations amid COVID-19 restrictions – including Hot Press favourites KNEECAP, who have had six of their seven US tour dates cancelled. Their manager, Daniel Lambert, has launched a fundraising appeal to assist with costs, noting that the group have been left "essentially broke", after spending thousands on visas, travel and accommodation.

Fund it link below - any help appreciated.

On US tour with @KNEECAPCEOL 6 of our 7 dates just cancelled and now essentially broke from it after paying all costs (1000s on visas/travel/hotels) https://t.co/YkUbvt03Vu

— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) March 13, 2020

Lambert has also called on the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Department of Finance to establish an emergency fund for Irish musicians in similar situations.

"Like everyone else we are struggling quite a lot now, financially and mentally," KNEECAP revealed in a statement on Facebook. "In the absence of a record label we had self financed a US Tour, and with 6 of 7 gigs cancelled we are now in a precarious position and in debt. Several gigs scheduled for the next few weeks/months are now also cancelled or in doubt.

"We have, proudly, always released all our music for free, and we’ve been blown away at where we’ve come in just over 2 years. We’ve succeeded in taking the Irish language thousands of miles from the island. For this we thank every one of you legends.

"In light if the last few days, we have set up a small fund it campaign to hopefully allow us clear debt and to live and write until this passes."

During their US tour, KNEECAP were scheduled to play the Dropkick Murphy's hugely popular St. Patrick's Day Boston Blowout, with an appearance in the iconic House Of Blues on March 16.

The US tour follows a landmark year for the West Belfast hip-hop group, tipped as one of our 'Hot For 2020' Irish acts. Following the success of their Farewell To The Union UK dates, they announced The Occupied Six tour – featuring major headline gigs at Leisure Land, Galway (September 25), The Olympia Theatre, Dublin (October 2) and the Telegraph Building, Belfast (October 10). They'll also play the Cork Opera House on May 14.

Since talking to Hot Press ahead of their Longitude appearance back in July, KNEECAP embarked on their ‘Your Ma Hates Ya’ tour – which included a triumphant sold-out set at The Academy, Dublin. They were also among the highlights of the Rock Against Homelessness night at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin earlier this month.

Support the 'KNEECAP Fund' here.