Kneecap Performs at Paris Rock en Seine Festival Despite Political Controversy

Irish rap group Kneecap performed on 24 August 2025 at the renowned Rock en Seine Festival in Saint-Cloud, on the outskirts of Paris. Their performance went ahead despite weeks of political pressure, funding cuts, and protests. The group, known for sharp political lyrics and outspoken solidarity with Palestine, has often been at the center of heated debates across Europe, and France was no exception.

The controversy intensified when the Île-de-France Regional Council and the Saint-Cloud municipality withdrew funding from the festival after organizers refused to drop Kneecap from the lineup. Some officials and Jewish community groups claimed the band could provoke unrest in France. However, the festival’s management argued that an artistic stage should not be censored and reaffirmed that all artists would be treated equally under the same rules.

Kneecap has faced similar backlash in the past. The group frequently waves the Palestinian flag during shows and openly criticizes Israeli policies. Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (known as Mo Chara) is currently facing trial in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert in November 2024, though he has denied the charges. This case added further controversy to their Paris performance.

Festival director Matthieu Ducos expressed confidence that Kneecap would perform responsibly, while French police maintained tight security outside the venue. The concert itself proceeded smoothly, drawing a large, enthusiastic crowd. Supporters described it as a victory for artistic freedom, while critics argued that normalizing politically charged performances risks deepening divisions.

On stage, Kneecap delivered an energetic set mixing Irish and English lyrics, heavy beats, and Belfast-inspired humor. Although subtle political references were included, the performance largely remained a musical showcase rather than a protest. For fans, the moment highlighted how music can transcend politics; for detractors, it raised questions about where freedom of expression should draw its limits.

This episode reflects a broader debate in Europe about balancing free expression with community sensitivities. Rock en Seine’s management showed that major festivals can host diverse voices while maintaining order through strict security measures.

In the end, the headline from 24 August was clear: Kneecap performed in Paris without disruption. No riots, no interruptions—only music. The band is now preparing for upcoming shows in Belgium and Norway, while French cultural bodies reconsider funding policies for future events. What remains undeniable is that in 2025, music and politics are deeply intertwined, and Kneecap’s Paris show became a symbolic reminder of that reality.