KNEECAP have confirmed that the BBC will show their Glastonbury performance, but not live, following speculation whether the broadcaster would cover it following political pressure.
Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday after a number of politicians called for them to be banned from the event.
It comes after one of the band’s members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a gig in November last year.
Last week, the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts.
He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Following the calls from politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for the trio not to perform at the festival, the BBC’s coverage of Kneecap’s performance has been at the centre of much speculation.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC “should not be showing” the trio’s set in a post on social media last week.
However, just hours before Kneecap were due to take the stage, the band announced that the BBC have confirmed that their performance will be made available on the BBC iPlayer, but not until later on in the evening.
In a post to social media, Kneecap said: “A chairde Gael.....
“The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us....
“They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the I-player later this evening for your viewing pleasure.
“The crowd expected today is far greater than West Holts capacity so ‘you'll need to be very early to catch us father....VERY EARLY’”
📺 A chairde Gael..... The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us.... They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the I-player later this evening for your viewing pleasure. The crowd expected today is far greater than West Holts capacity so "you'll need to be… pic.twitter.com/7AUAVzZz60
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) June 28, 2025
According to the BBC's guide for Saturday, their live Glastonbury coverage will begin at 5pm and with the band due to play at 4pm it is unlikely their performance will be featured live on TV.
However, their set will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer, as the broadcaster has brought back their Glastonbury Channel, although fans will have to wait until later to watch their performance, according to the band.
Kneecap’s set will likely be subject to the usual delays and editorial restrictions over “controversial content”.
