Irish rap and hip-hop trio Kneecap will perform at the O2 Academy Bournemouth tonight, Friday 14 November, with doors opening at 7:00 pm.
The Belfast-based group, whose music recently featured in the newly released series The House of Guinness, is expected to perform tracks from their acclaimed album Fine Art (released on 14th June 2024), along with newer material, including “Sayonara / The Recap” (released on 10th October 2025).
They aren’t currently on the 02 Academy billboard, and the reason for this is unknown, with fans speculating whether this could be because of recent controversies.
Despite their rising popularity, the band continues to attract public attention for a series of controversies, including court appearances and scrutiny over comments made during live performances.
Videos circulating online appear to show a band member shouting: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP,” prompting criticism and further media coverage.
However, the band replied saying that they “never meant to cause hurt” and they “reject any suggestions that they would seek to incite hurt on an MP”.
Fans attending the event have argued that the group is exercising its right to free expression, and they are only speaking on what they believe.
Concertgoer Keela McKenna said, “There may be controversy over the band’s recent statements, but people are allowed to say what they believe.
“It’s only because they’re in the public eye that it’s perceived as something bad.”
Critics, on the other hand, claim that some remarks cross the line into incitement or appear to express support for proscribed organisations, reigniting debate over the boundaries between artistic expression and harmful speech.
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