Irish rap group Kneecap have cancelled their sold-out US tour due to band member Mo Chara’s next court hearing in London.
The 27-year-old performer Mo Chara, whose real name is, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig last November.
He denies the offence and the band says its members do not support Hamas or Hezbollah.
In a post on Instagram, the band said: “Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour”, they were forced to “cancel all 15 US tour dates in October.
“With every show fully sold out, to tens of thousands of fans, this is news we are sad to deliver.
“But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour.”
Mr Ó hAnnaidh last appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday 13 August, where his lawyers argued police and prosecutors made a technical blunder at the start of criminal proceedings, and asked a judge to dismiss the case as a nullity.
It is argued that Attorney General Richard Hermer had not formally given his consent when police told Ó hAnnaidh that he faced a terrorism-related offence on May 21.
The hearing has been adjourned until September 26, just five days before the band was set to play their first US show in New York.
Kneecap said they will be sharing something “top secret” and “very special for US fans next week.”
The band added that refunds can be obtained at point of purchase.
Canadian shows are not affected and the band will still be playing their four sold out shows in Vancouver and Toronto.
The band, comprised of O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017.
They hit headlines in April when footage emerged that appeared to show a band member saying “Kill your local MP” at one gig and and “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at another.
Kneecap have apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.
They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but Avon and Somerset Police said they would be taking no further action in July.
The group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English and their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and The Recap.
