Kneecap cancel sold-out US shows citing timing of Mo Chara's terrorism trial

Kneecap’s sold-out 2025 US headline tour has been called off because of “the proximity” of Mo Chara’s terrorism court date.

During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on August 20, the case was postponed until September 26, which left the Irish rap group with no choice but to cancel their scheduled October run of shows across the United States.

The trio promised American fans that they would return with an “even bigger tour” in the future.

A message shared on social media said: “To all our US-based fans, we have some bad news. Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London on September 26, as the British government continues its witch-hunt with the start of the US tour, we will have to cancel all 15 US tour dates in October.

“With every show fully sold out, 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 to all you great heads.”

The Fine Art Act confirmed they will still go ahead with their four sold-out Canadian shows in October.

They continued: “Canadian shows are NOT affected and we will be playing our four sold out shows in Vancouver and Toronto.”

Kneecap, which includes Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí alongside Chara, finished their statement by hinting that a “very special” surprise is being prepared for fans in the United States.

They explained: “We will be sharing something very special for US fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October.

“It’s top secret for now, but all will be revealed next week – stay tuned.

“And remember… ‘The revolution will be no re-run, brothers. The revolution will be live.”

Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is currently out on unconditional bail while facing a terrorism charge for “displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah” during Kneecap’s show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London in November 2024.

After thanking those who turned out to court last week, Chara said, “We know this story is more than just about me. It’s more than Kneecap; this is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story.

“We know, unfortunately, this story will end up in the media today, while Israel commits genocide at the same time. So, everybody, continue to speak about Palestine, free Palestine. Thank you all for coming.”

When the charges were first brought in May, Kneecap responded: “The British establishment is focused on us.

“They profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their ‘crown court’, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury.”