The announcement came after Police Scotland‘s statement last week, which said that Kneecap’s performance at the festival would require a significant police operation.
The promoter, DF Concerts, informed ticket holders that the group would not be performing at the July concert in Glasgow Green.
The statement read: “Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July.
“We thank fans for their understanding.”
The trio posted the shock cancellation to their Instagram stories, writing: “Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT.”
READ MORE: Irish hip-hop group Kneecap to play gig in Glasgow
(Image: Kneecap Instagram) This decision follows a series of controversies surrounding the band.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Any decision on the lineup at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.
“Officers have highlighted that the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event.
“We have also passed on information from the public around safety concerns to allow organisers to make an informed decision on the running of the festival.”
In April, the Glasgow Times reported that First Minister John Swinney supported calls for Kneecap’s removal from the TRNSMT lineup after a video clip from a 2023 performance showed a band member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Mr Swinney said the comments “crossed a line” and were unacceptable.
He added: “It would be unacceptable for me for the band to perform on such a stage given the fact that their comments are so beyond the pale.
“I think TRNSMT have got to respond to that.”
READ MORE: John Swinney calls for Kneecap to be cut from Glasgow’s TRNSMT
On May 21, we reported that Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on November 21, 2024, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
Kneecap has denied the alleged terror offence and said they will “vehemently defend” themselves.
READ MORE: Kneecap member charged with a terror offence
The group has also been under international scrutiny for their criticism of Israeli military action in Gaza, particularly after their appearance at Coachella.
Last month, several music artists, including Fontaines DC, Massive Attack, Dexys, and The Pogues, signed an open letter in support of the band, stating they face “a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform the group.”
Kneecap has criticised what they call “political policing” after one of their members was charged with the alleged terror offence in the UK, describing the case as a “carnival of distraction.”
The Glasgow Times reported that in a statement posted on X, Kneecap suggested the charge is part of a broader attempt to silence them.
They wrote: “Since our statements at Coachella — exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people — we have faced a coordinated smear campaign.
“For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes.
“The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts.
“Let us be absolutely clear. The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple — we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing.
“Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide.
“We do not give a f*** what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide, just as we are.
“What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes — and we will not stay silent.
“No media spin will change this.
“Our only concern is the Palestinian people — the 20,000 murdered children and counting.
“The young people at our gigs see through the lies. They stand on the side of humanity and justice. And that gives us great hope.”
READ MORE: Kneecap release statement on member’s terror charge
Despite the TRNSMT cancellation, Kneecap has announced a replacement show at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Tuesday, 8 July.
The band posted the announcement on social media.
The post read: “To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands.
“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.
“To try to make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th.
“Pre-sale is tomorrow at 10am in our WhatsApp channel.
“General sale is 10am this coming Saturday.”
