The frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners has said people trying to "shut down" Kneecap is an "overreaction". Kevin Rowland, whose band's hits included the 1982 number one hit Come On Eileen, said the controversy over the last week shows that freedom of expression is "under threat". Footage of a member of the rap trio Kneecapcalling for MPs to be killed is being assessed by counter-terrorism police, and they have faced a slew of concert cancellations, with growing calls for Glastonbury to cancel their appearance there next month. Rowland is one of the 40 artists that signed an open letter supporting Kneecap and freedom of expression through both bands' label Heavenly Recordings. He said: "This is about freedom of speech and artists' freedom of expression." The independent record label said in the caption: "These artists support the right to freedom of expression. This is an ever-expanding list. If you are an artist who wishes to be added please DM us." Speaking toBBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Rowland said he is not a "representative of Kneecap" and is not defending what they have said but added: "If you only allow free speech for people to say what you want, it's not free speech, is it?" Daniel Lambert, Kneecap's manager, said the band were willing to talk to Katie Amess, the daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess. Speaking onNewstalk's The Pat Kenny Show, Mr Lambert said: "The lads are happy to talk to that lady. "The lads are happy to apologise to that lady; Kneecap has not hurt anybody. "There was a hurt here that was caused to someone emotionally." Ms Amess previously told BBC News NI theband should apologise. She also said she would be prepared to meet the band and have a conversation with them. They subsequentlyapologised to the Amess familyand the family of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016. A number of politicians have called for the Irish rap band to be uninvited from some UK gigs. On Thursday a Cabinet minister said the rap group should not be allowed to perform at Glastonbury festival, where they are listed for the Saturday. Commons Leader Lucy Powell said that although the final decision would be for the festival organisers, she believed "no-one in this House" would want to see the group at Glastonbury, adding: "We'll all continue to say so loud and clear." Asked about whether Glastonbury should uninvite Kneecap over the band's statements, Rowland said; "I hope they don't take them off, I think it would look pretty poor if they did. "We've had rappers playing at Glastonbury saying all kinds of things. Loads of rap music talks about killing, why aren't they banned?" Other artists who have signed the joint statement onInstagramin support of Kneecap include Fontaines DC, Annie Mac, Bicep, Massive Attack, Pulp, Paul Weller and Christy Moore. The independent record label said in the caption: "These artists support the right to freedom of expression. This is an everexpanding list. If you are an artist who wishes to be added please DM us." Artists that have signed the label's statement have also posted their own statements for the west Belfast trio. Massive Attack, posted onInstagramthat "Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story". In a post onInstagram, Irish singer and songwriter Damien Dempsey described the band as "three young peaceful warrior poets". Manchester United legend Eric Cantona also showed support for Kneecap as he re-posted the message of support from the band's label on his Instagram story on Thursday. Kneecap shared a screenshot of Cantona's re-post onX. MP Colum Eastwood, whose constituency covers the area Kneecap member DJ Provaí is from, said artists "should be entitled to express their opinion" and there was a "mass hysteria from some elements of politics and the media around this". "It just seems to me that when that opinion is opposing what is happening in Gaza the response is much more vigorous," he said. To pull the rap trio from the Glastonbury line-up, the Foyle MP said, would "be a very strange thing to do". Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme Eastwood added that Kneecap's comments had been "deeply stupid and wrong". Eastwood said: "You can't say MPs should be killed and people shouldn't be expressing support for Hezbollah and Hamas, that is absolutely clear. "It is totally abhorrent and totally wrong." "The idea that this is the major issue unfolding in the world really is quite difficult for people to see when children are being bombed in their houses and their schools and in their hospitals in Gaza. That, I think infuriates people." Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise. The group was formed in 2017 by three friends who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí. Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender. The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
'Shutting Kneecap down is an overreaction', says Dexys Midnight Runners' Kevin Rowland
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dexys Midnight Runners' Kevin Rowland Defends Kneecap Amid Controversy Over Free Speech"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Kevin Rowland, the frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners, has spoken out against the backlash directed at the Irish rap group Kneecap, characterizing the attempts to silence them as an 'overreaction.' Rowland, whose band is famous for the 1982 hit 'Come On Eileen,' emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in the current climate, asserting that recent events highlight a growing threat to this fundamental right. The controversy surrounding Kneecap escalated after footage emerged of a member calling for violence against MPs, prompting counter-terrorism police to investigate. As a result, the band has faced multiple concert cancellations and increasing pressure for Glastonbury Festival to disinvite them from their upcoming performance. Rowland, along with 40 other artists, has signed an open letter supporting Kneecap and advocating for artistic freedom, stating that limiting free speech to only acceptable views undermines its very essence.
In a dialogue about the situation, Kneecap's manager, Daniel Lambert, expressed the band's willingness to engage in discussions with Katie Amess, the daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess, acknowledging the emotional hurt caused by their comments. The band has since issued apologies to the Amess family and the family of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was also murdered. Amidst calls from politicians, including Commons Leader Lucy Powell, to remove Kneecap from the Glastonbury lineup, Rowland argued against this move, suggesting that it would reflect poorly on the festival's commitment to artistic expression. He pointed out that many rappers often discuss violence in their music without facing similar backlash. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artistic expression in political discourse, particularly regarding sensitive issues like the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Support for Kneecap has come from various artists and public figures, highlighting the complexities of free speech in the face of provocative art and political tensions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the Irish rap group Kneecap and the implications of freedom of expression within the music industry. Kevin Rowland, frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners, expresses his belief that the backlash against Kneecap is an overreaction and emphasizes the importance of defending artistic freedom.
Freedom of Expression Debate
Rowland's comments reflect a broader concern about the state of free speech in the artistic community. His statement that "if you only allow free speech for people to say what you want, it's not free speech" underscores a fundamental principle that, while some expressions may be controversial, they are still part of the larger discourse on freedom. The support from 40 artists, including Rowland, further amplifies this message, signaling a collective stance on protecting artistic expression.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The backlash against Kneecap, particularly following their controversial statements, has led to concert cancellations and calls for their removal from events like Glastonbury. This reaction from the public and politicians raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and societal norms. The involvement of counter-terrorism police adds a layer of seriousness to the discussion, as it suggests that the implications of certain expressions may extend beyond the realm of art into public safety.
Impact on Community Sentiments
The article illustrates the divide in public opinion regarding Kneecap. On one side, there are supporters advocating for freedom of expression, while on the other, there are those who feel that the group's lyrics incite violence and should not be tolerated. This schism can foster a sense of community among those who support Kneecap, while alienating others who prioritize the safety and emotional well-being of individuals affected by violent rhetoric.
Economic and Political Scenarios
The controversy surrounding artistic expression could influence political landscapes, especially in how politicians respond to cultural movements. If the backlash leads to significant cancellations or boycotts, this could have economic repercussions for the music industry and related sectors. On a political level, it may lead to increased discussions on censorship, freedom of speech, and the role of artists in society.
Audience Targeting
The article appeals predominantly to artistic communities, free speech advocates, and music fans who value the importance of expression in art. The engagement from various artists suggests an attempt to unify those who feel threatened by potential censorship, fostering a collective identity around artistic freedom.
Market Reactions
While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets, the broader implications of such controversies can affect entertainment stocks, especially those related to music festivals and concert promotion. Companies associated with Glastonbury or other events may experience fluctuations based on public sentiment towards the performing artists.
Global Power Dynamics
In terms of global power dynamics, the article reflects ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in various contexts, especially in regions where political dissent is often suppressed. This situation mirrors larger global discussions about human rights and artistic freedom, connecting local controversies to global themes.
AI Influence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence influenced the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have shaped the tone or selection of quotes to emphasize themes of freedom of expression. The framing of Rowland's statements and the focus on community reaction could reflect a deliberate narrative choice.
In conclusion, this article serves to highlight the complexities surrounding free speech in the arts, the societal implications of controversial expressions, and the potential fallout in terms of public sentiment and political discourse. It raises critical questions about how society navigates the fine line between supporting artistic freedom and addressing the concerns of those who feel threatened by certain expressions.