The Daily Star Ireland
Irish rap trio Kneecap delivered a charged and unforgettable performance this afternoon as they stepped onto Electric Picnic’s main stage in Stradbally for the very first time. The highly anticipated set drew thousands of fans despite an initial burst of rain, which soon gave way to sunshine—fitting for a show that balanced raw defiance with moments of humor, emotion, and community spirit.
A High-Energy Setlist That Fired Up the Crowd
Over the course of an hour, the group powered through a selection of their most popular tracks, beginning with their debut single C.E.A.R.T.A., which was met with rapturous cheers. Other highlights included Get Your Brits Out and The Recap, both of which had the crowd chanting along as the band bounded across the stage, urging fans to raise their voices with them.
DJ Próvaí escalated the energy further when he jumped into the audience, later surfacing on big screens as he was carried by a wave of ecstatic fans—an image that summed up the atmosphere of joy and rebellion that ran through the entire performance.
Politics, Protest, and Playfulness
True to form, Kneecap intertwined music with sharp political commentary. Mo Chara, who is awaiting a court case in the UK after being charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig last November, joked about being a “free man.” The crowd responded in solidarity, chanting “Free Mo Chara” in unison. The case, now postponed until September 26, remains ongoing.
At another point, Mo Chara introduced The Auld Triangle as “my granny’s favourite,” prompting one of the most memorable sing-alongs of the set. The audience roared every word, turning the raucous performance into a communal moment that blended tradition with modern protest culture.
Voices Beyond the Music
The trio didn’t shy away from broader issues either. Speaking about global struggles, Mo Chara addressed the crowd directly: “I understand that we are all here enjoying ourselves, but our brothers and sisters in Palestine are under tremendous f***ing pressure right now.” The message underscored Kneecap’s reputation for using their platform to amplify political causes, especially those tied to resistance and solidarity.
Famous Faces in the Audience
Among the thousands gathered, fellow musicians Lewis Capaldi and Danny O’Reilly were spotted enjoying the set from the crowd, a reminder of Kneecap’s growing influence and crossover appeal.
A Defiant and Defining Moment
Kneecap’s debut on Electric Picnic’s main stage marked a defining milestone for the Belfast group, cementing their place as one of Ireland’s most outspoken and exhilarating live acts. With a performance that mixed irreverent humor, powerful protest, and fan-favorite anthems, the trio proved they could captivate not only their core supporters but an entire festival field.
Their set was less just a concert and more a cultural statement—one that left Electric Picnic buzzing long after the final beat dropped.
