Live Report: Kneecap take aim at Taoiseach and Viktor Orbán during raucous Electric Picnic main stage set

This was always going to be more than a gig.

Fifteen minutes before Kneecap take to the main stage at Electric Picnic, a bus-length Palestine flag is marched through the crowd, while swarms in Celtic and Ireland jerseys, as well as tricolour balaclavas, make the pilgrimage from the campsites to the main stage.

On the big screens, text flashes grim statistics on deaths in Gaza alongside sharp shots at the Irish government.

One slide accuses the state of being complicit in the genocide in Gaza by allowing the Central Bank to sell Israeli war bonds.

Another reads in block capitals: “US MILITARY OUT OF IRELAND,” criticising America’s use of Shannon Airport to ferry weapons. For a moment, it feels less like a music festival and more like a rally.

Kneecap at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy.

Then the trio arrive. Hungover from their hometown gig with Fontaines D.C. in Belfast the night before, they're delighted to play in front of another Irish crowd as they tear into ‘It’s Been Ages’.

Rebel DNA runs through everything they do. “We’re like the Wolf Tones on cocaine,” grins Mo Chara.

The set is a balancing act of chaos and genuine political conviction. Visually, the create some spectacle.  DJ Próvaí prowls in a jumpsuit, Móglaí Bap sports sunglasses and a tracksuit that are a little bit Elton John, while Mo Chara commands proceedings.

“I know a few of you fuckin’ rascals hadn’t gone to sleep yet,” he shouts at the crowd, who are more than willing to chant ‘Free Mo Chara’ back at him, in reference to the terrorism charges the rapper faces in the UK.

The tunes themselves are intense and energetic.

‘Better Way to Live’ is a highlight, with its addicting baseline and reflections on cyclical bad habits. A new track with Massive Attack heave hints at where Kneecap’s sound is heading. The title track from their 2024 debut LP FINE ART meanwhile, sends wood chipping and pints flying, as do all the other apeshit moshpits.

The political statement slideshow was only a prelude. At one point, Mo Chara pauses the show to deliver more searing criticism of the Irish government.

“Now’s as good a time as any,” he begins.

“We’re all here enjoying ourselves and we’re privileged to be able to do that in a field with our best friends. But our brothers and sisters in Palestine are under tremendous fucking pressure right now. I know the Irish people have always been on the right side of history. But at the end of the day until something changes I’ll take time to talk about this on stage, or whatever platform we have.

“Netanyahu is a war criminal. It’s about time politicians started doing something about it. It’s not fair to put the burden on the people when the elected representatives are doing fuck all. And Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are causing a housing crisis and doing fuck all about Palestine. So fuck Micheál Martin.”

The Taoiseach isn’t the only leader in their sights. Kneecap take aim at Viktor Orbán, and some “Fuck Hungary” chants (a response to Kneecap being banned there for three years) are quickly corrected by the band into thunderous  refrains of “Fuck Viktor Orbán."

Kneecap at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy.

What’s undeniable is the scale of what Kneecap have built. At a time when the internet pulls individuals in every direction, KNEECAP, fulcrumed on good craic, cultural pride and genuine humanity, have created a something that makes people feels like they're part of something huge and meaningful.

“Nobody thought it was possible to have this many people interested in the Irish language,” Moglaí Bap tells the crowd.

“We weren’t on radio. We weren’t on TV. The only reason we’re on the main stage at EP now is because of all of you fenian bastards. A united Ireland is around the corner.”