KNEECAP play sold-out Glasgow show after being dropped from TRNSMT headline

KNEECAP played to a sold-out crowd at Glasgow's O2 Academy last night after being axed from the headline of Friday's TRNSMT festival.

In late May, the trio announced on Instagram that they had been removed from the TRNSMT lineup — also in Glasgow — due to safety concerns from police.

"To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry...it is out of our hands," the post read. "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We’ve played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will."

In the same post, KNEECAP announced the O2 Academy gig, "To try to make up for it."

A group of supporters with Palestinian and Irish flags gathered near the venue to welcome KNEECAP to Glasgow. In a post on X, KNEECAP thanked the demonstrators for their support.

"Hats off to the dozens of Palestine activists who've been here all day," the post read. "Buzzing to play one of our favourite cities for a show that sold out in seconds."

The Glasgow show reportedly sold out in the span of 80 seconds.

Some scenes outside the venue for tonight's gig in Glasgow...🔥

Hats off to the dozens of Palestine activists who've been here all day. 🇵🇸

Buzzing to play one of our favourite cities for a show that sold out in seconds. 💥

Your sniffer dogs are shite... 🐕 🚨 pic.twitter.com/wbUjStrSiy

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 8, 2025

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by stage name Mo Chara, commented on being dropped from TRNSMT during the show.

"They stopped us playing TRNSMT but they can't stop us playing Glasgow," Ó hAnnaidh said.

Among those who spoke out against KNEECAP's appearance at TRNSMT was First Minister of Scotland John Swinney. In May, Swinney denounced the band for their comments about conservative politicians and called for their TRNSMT performance to be cancelled.

"I’m not familiar with the band KNEECAP, but I’ve become aware of their comments today," Swinney said.

"I think these comments are completely and utterly unacceptable and if they’re performing at TRNSMT, or proposed to be performing at TRNSMT, I think the organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue."

Ó hAnnaidh briefly acknowledged Swinney's comments early in the set, asking the crowd, "What's your first minister's name?"

The majority of KNEECAP's commentary on stage was directed in support of Palestine and in opposition to British presence in Ireland and the UK Conservative Party.

Ó hAnnaidh denounced Israel's occupation of Gaza, clarifying that his critiques of Israel extended to "the government, not the people."

Later, Ó hAnnaidh said the British government had "done nothing for Ireland and nothing for Glasgow," earning cheers and applause from the crowd.

KNEECAP also paid homage to Glasgow's football history, with Naoise Ó Cairealláin — stage name Móglaí Bap — donning a Celtic F.C. shirt for the gig. Albeit during a speech about working class unity, the band said they have "more in common with a poor Rangers fan than a rich Celtic fan."

KNEECAP's next gig will be a headline at England's 2000 Trees Festival tomorrow, with a show at BKK in the Basque Country the next day. They will play the Electric Picnic Main Stage in August.