“Oppression fears artistic expression”: Johnny Marr speaks out against calls to remove Kneecap from Glastonbury lineup
Johnny Marr has announced both his support for Irish rappers Kneecap and Palestine, amid calls for the Irish rap group to be axed from this year’s Glastonbury lineup. They are currently set to play on 28 June.
The Irish trio are facing calls for their performance at this year’s Glastonbury festival to be axed, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews pointing to the group’s history of inflammatory comments, including the time, in 2023, they urged fans to “Kill your local MP” at a gig. They also point to the trio’s historical comments seemingly supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups labelled terrorist organisations by the UK government.
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Meanwhile, others, including the band’s producer Toddla T say calls to remove them from the bill are about their open and staunch support of the citizens of Palestine, who are facing ongoing bombardment in Gaza by the Israeli military.
According to Toddla T, a “private and confidential” letter was sent to those in charge of booking for Glastonbury festival, asking them to remove Kneecap over their support for Palestine.
He says, “It was headed by a very systemically powerful music agent and signed by 30 individuals from within the music industry.” He goes on: “What we’re seeing is a coordinated attempt by 30 members of the musical elite, people with systemic influence, to silence the voices of three working-class artists from Belfast…
“…At the heart of this is not just a dispute over a festival slot… It’s about Palestine, and the ongoing genocide we are witnessing.”
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Now, Johnny Marr says that removing Kneecap from the lineup for their support of Palestine goes against the ethos of the festival.
“Glastonbury has always had a political aspect. It was founded as a place of free expression and political activism,” he explains in an Instagram post. He also confirms that “it’s a fact that I agreed to play there with The Smiths in 1984 purely because to do so at the time was a political act.”
The former Smiths guitarist also says his political stance has not changed: “We are living through very troubling times, but for anyone who’s been interested in me or my music over the last 40 years, I feel like my political stance has been very clear.”
“Oppression fears artistic expression,” he goes on. “I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give a voice to the voiceless.”
Marr stands by “fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine.”
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Kneecap member Mo Chara was recently granted unconditional bail after being charged with a terror offence following his display of the Hezbollah flag at a gig.
As it currently stands, Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance on 28 June will go ahead. You can also see the full Glastonbury lineup at glastonburyfestivals.co.uk.
Johnny Marr is no stranger to commenting on political issues. He previously slammed Donald Trump for using The Smiths’ Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want during his political rallies. “Consider this shit shut down right now”, he said.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
