To step into the Barrowlands Ballroom in Glasgow on a Sunday night and witness Kneecap perform is to be thrust into an unapologetically rebellious, joyously chaotic space that feels more like a cultural revival than a rap gig.

The second of two sold-out shows, this wasn’t just a run idea the mill gig, it was an experiment in the true unifying power that music can hold over us, a statement wether you believe – poetic or not, and for this trio from West Belfast they were welcomed as true brothers at arms.

Self-proclaimed “Republican Rap Ceasefire Babies,” the band have built a reputation on provocation. But to reduce them to a caricature of Irish gang culture would be to miss the intricate tapestry they weave with their art. Kneecap’s work is not just a reclamation; it’s a revival of a culture marginalized and maligned by colonialism. They are not fetishizing; they are galvanizing.

The night opened with a poignant performance from Gemma Dunleavy, whose synth-laden soundscapes and soaring vocals set an emotional tone.

Between tracks like the 2020 single “Up De Flats,” an ode to her Dublin roots, Dunleavy made a heartfelt plea for justice in the case of Terence Wheelock, a teenager who died in Garda custody. Her emotive track, “Stop the Light” which is her battle cry for those responsible to be held to account, had many an eye glaze over and brought the room to a poignant stillness.

Her performance was both a rallying cry and a reminder of music’s power to shed light on the darkest corners of society.

By the time Kneecap stormed the stage, the crowd was already electric. The show opened with a text acknowledgment of the UK government’s complicity in the genocide in Gaza, followed by chants of “Free Palestine” echoing through the historic venue. The trio emerged, throwing themselves into a relentless set that began with the bass-heavy banger “3CAG.” DJ Próvaí, a former teacher, stepped from behind the decks with cinematic flair—a far cry from his chalkboard days, now schooling audiences in the art of rebellion.

The energy was palpable as the rappers launched into “It’s Been Ages,” the crowd a sea of green, white, and gold. Neon bucket hats bobbed in unison as fans waved shamrocks and flags with abandon. Tracks like “Sick in the Head” and “Your Sniffer Dogs Are Shite” showcased Kneecap’s signature blend of biting satire and filthy basslines (what more could you want on a Sunday evening?) while crowd surfers cascaded over the barrier like waves of collective euphoria.

“This is one big dysfunctional family,” Móglaí Bap reminded the crowd between songs, “so look after each other.” And look after each other they did, embodying the camaraderie Kneecap seeks to foster through their work.

One of the set’s most powerful moments came with “I bhFiacha Linne,” a track that seamlessly blends Irish and English, showcasing their dedication to the preservation of the Irish language. It’s a reminder that their music is not only about rebellion but also about cultural survival.

As the night crescendoed, the band performed “C.E.A.R.T.A,” their breakout single that spells out “rights” in Irish. The song, rooted in their plight against oppression, catapulted them into the spotlight and set them on a trajectory that led to the release of a darkly humorous biopic starring Michael Fassbender earlier this year. The film feels like West Belfast’s answer to Scotland’s beloved cult classic, Trainspotting—raw, gritty, and unapologetically authentic.

The show concluded with the tongue-in-cheek anthem “Get Your Brits Out,” followed by the ferocious “H.O.O.D.” It was a fitting end to a night that had everything: humor, defiance, solidarity, and soul.

Kneecap Barrowlands performance was a celebration of Irish heritage to reclaim the narrative for those often written out of history.

Are you offended? Good. That’s the point. Kneecap wants you to think, to feel, and most importantly to act.

Móglaí Bap is running 10k each day on tour regardless of what wee small hours of the morning he crawled home at in order to fund food parcels to Gaza. You can donate here:

https://donorbox.org/food-parcels-for-gaza

Article: Angela Canavan