Pulp on signing letter in support of KNEECAP: “Politicians should never get involved in passing judgement on creativity”

In a recent interview with Hot Press, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp has spoken on the band's support of KNEECAP, as well as the role of politicians in creative industries.

On April 30, Heavenly Recordings published an open letter signed by 40 artists and bands, defending KNEECAP against what they called a "campaign of intimidation.” In addition to Pulp, other signatories include Fontaines D.C., Lankum and Massive Attack.

 

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“I just think politicians should never get involved in passing judgement on creativity,” said Cocker. “I just thought you have to say something about it. I was asked if we would sign a letter. And I said, ‘Yeah, I think that’s an important thing.’”

UK counter-terrorism police announced in April that they were reviewing KNEECAP concert footage following their London show last November. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, was charged for holding a pro-Hezbollah flag and will appear in court on June 18.

"As they profit from genocide, they use 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage," reads a statement from KNEECAP. "A Charge not serious enough to even warrant their 'crown court', instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective?”

 

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The Belfast trio also received backlash for their Coachella performance last month, where they displayed visuals that read “Fuck Israel, Free Palestine.”

“We are on the right side of history,” they wrote in their most recent statement. “You are not. We will fight you in your court.”

Read the full Pulp story below: