Irish rap group Kneecap made a bold statement during their explosive set at Wembley, taking direct aim at Donald Trump’s visit to the UK and slamming both the Royal Family and British political leaders in front of a massive crowd.
The Belfast trio didn’t mince words. From the moment they hit the stage, they were loud, unapologetic, and ready to stir things up. At one point, a member shouted, “Is Donald Trump in f****** England? For f***’s sake.” Another followed up with a fiery demand: “Release the f****** files,” in what seemed to be a call for transparency around the Jeffrey Epstein investigations.
Even before the performance began, the tone was set. A projection flashed across the stage accusing Labour leader Keir Starmer of welcoming Israel’s president “like a king.” Trump was called “the man who permits the slaughter,” tying the show into ongoing public outrage over the UK’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
Once the group got going, the crowd joined them in shouting chants like “f*** the Royal Family” and “f*** Keir Starmer.” It was clear Kneecap weren’t there just to perform — they were there to protest.
Frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh told the audience that artists have a role to play when politicians won’t step up. He mentioned groups like Massive Attack who have used their own platforms to speak out about Palestine and other global issues.
The night wasn’t just about music. It became a mix of activism and performance. Alongside Kneecap’s fiery set, the legendary Massive Attack gave a special presentation. Ben Jamal, head of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, also spoke on stage, delivering a passionate message about justice and human rights.
Musically, Kneecap delivered crowd favorites like “Better Way To Live” featuring Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C., along with high-energy tracks like “Sick In The Head” and “Hood.” The lineup also included Irish post-punk band Gurriers and London artist Jelani Blackman, bringing a rich mix of sound and energy to the show.
This wasn’t the first time Kneecap found themselves in hot water. Their Glastonbury performance earlier this year sparked backlash and a police review. Although authorities looked into the footage, they eventually dropped the matter.
At Wembley, Kneecap made one thing clear. They believe artists have a duty to speak out when things aren’t right. Their blend of music and protest isn’t just a performance — it’s a statement. And with each show, they’re pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a politically engaged artist in today’s world.
