The Irish hip-hop group Kneecap made headlines during their performance at Coachella 2025, but not for the usual reasons that typically garner attention for a buzzing band. Instead, their set in the Sonora tent on April 18 was marked by large screens that displayed provocative references to genocide, strong denouncements of Israel, and calls for the liberation of Palestine. This performance, which included a direct condemnation of U.S. military support for Israel, has sparked outrage among Jewish groups who criticize the festival's promoter, Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG.
While the Coachella music festival is known for its political statements, Kneecap’s explicit call to “Fuck Israel” has drawn significant ire. Jewish organizations are openly criticizing Goldenvoice for booking a band that has been linked to extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Following their set, Kneecap took to social media, sharing videos that emphasized their “uncensored messaging” and urging young Americans to forward their messages to former President Trump, using a derogatory term to refer to him.
In response to the controversy, the Hollywood Reporter reached out to AEG for comments. Insiders revealed that Paul Tollett, the CEO of Goldenvoice, was reportedly “blindsided” by Kneecap’s actions. Prominent music figure Scooter Braun defended Tollett on Instagram, highlighting his commitment to survivors of the recent conflicts in Israel and his attendance at a memorial exhibit honoring the victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The Sonora tent, known for hosting more edgy acts, did not livestream its weekend 2 performances, which some speculate was a precaution against potential incendiary messages from the band. Kneecap’s shows were characterized by a charged atmosphere, with their first weekend set generating considerable buzz and drawing a crowd that spilled out the door. Their minimal lighting obscured their faces, while an intense logo featuring piercing eyes loomed on the screen throughout their performance.
Leading up to their second weekend performance, Kneecap claimed that Coachella had censored their pro-Palestine messages and their anti-Margaret Thatcher chants. They announced on social media that they would return to Coachella to assert their beliefs, which culminated in their emphatic “free, free Palestine” chants and declarations during the second weekend.
The Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a nonprofit organization comprising entertainment industry professionals, expressed their concerns about Kneecap’s appearance at the festival. They urged Goldenvoice and AEG to cancel the performances, citing the band’s history of supporting groups like Hamas. CCFP's executive director, Ari Ingel, condemned the festival for allowing what he termed a “forum of hate,” especially given the current climate of rising antisemitism.
The Nova Community also released a statement addressing the hurt caused by Kneecap's performance. They emphasized the ideals of peace and unity that their festival promotes, contrasting it with the divisive messages shared by the band. The community invited Kneecap members to visit the Nova Exhibition to witness the stories of victims and survivors, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of provocation.
As the debate continues over the intersection of music, politics, and social justice, Kneecap’s performance at Coachella 2025 has become a focal point for discussions on artistic expression and the responsibilities of artists in today's politically charged environment.
