Photo Credit: Andy Davies
Having recently featured in cinemas across the land in a biopic of themselves, Kneecap are already causing a controversial stir. Despised by Irish politicians for their forthright and Republican views, Get Your Brits Out being one example, Kneecap have played some of the UK’s hottest festivals this summer and continue to spread there somewhat controversial bilingual rap music at Manchester’s New Century Hall.
Noise levels are at fever pitch at the sold out venue and the chant “Free Free Palestine’ rings around the venue as the trio enter on stage. Kneecap waste no time in getting the evening started, with It’s Been Ages getting the venue warmed up for what the night has in store. Moglai Bap screams at the crowd, “Yes Manchester!” whilst continuing to bounce around the stage.
As the set continues to gather pace and energy the trio rattle through popular numbers, Amach Anocht, Fenian Cunts and Thart Agus Thart. Those of a certain generation will relate to the reference in Thart Agus Thart of Pinky and The Brain. A children’s TV programme where two mice dream of taking over the world, coining the phrase ‘What are we going to do tonight Pinky? Same thing we do every night, try to take over the world.’ However, the lyrical content changes to, ‘Same thing we do every night, try to take drugs’.
Kneecap’s music is largely provocative, contains large swathes of drug references throughout, and provides an honest, if not jovial, crack at Brits in there country. Despite all of this, it brings people of all nations together and it’s clear to see by their dramatic rise in popularity over the past few years.
The Irish trio continue to entertain the bouncing crowd, who, by now, have opened up the first mosh pit of the night. As they are known for, Moglai Bap tries to cause controversy in the crowd mentioning the stellar crowd they had at Liverpool. “What the fuck is happening Manchester? You’re a rowdy crowd, can you beat Liverpool? They’ve been the best so far”. This rightly causes a series of boos to echo around the venue.
The Irish contingent is heavily represented tonight, with flags and shirts aplenty within the venue. As the trio continue to ask for more energy from the crowd, they maintain the high intensity that has featured throughout the set so far. Aside from the obvious views that Kneecap hold, the talent of the trio tonight can’t be put into question. They are three talented rap artists who are confident and comfortable with there surroundings. Mo Chara address the crowd with a plug to the recently released self-titled film Kneecap, “Did anyone see the Kneecap film? It’s available on Amazon, but fuck Jeff Bazos. You can it for free on the dodgy box”.
Before beginning Fine Art, a track from the recently released 2024 album that holds the same name. Moglai tries to get some free drugs, “Someone’s come in from security and said if you have any drugs you can throw them on stage!”
“We’ve got one more tune for youse”. The last song of the evening references the divisive Conservative leader Margret Thatcher, entitled Maggie’s In A Box. Moglai Bap can be seen throwing himself into the crowd and crowd surfing his way around the venue different points throughout the performance. A night of provocative performance combined with an electric energy from the start of the show. One that the crowd and band have both enjoyed. Most importantly, three young men from West Belfast have brought the Irish language and culture to the forefront of music and screen.
Written by: Ben Gilligan
