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Kneecap have responded to critics of their anti-Israel messaging at Coachella, saying they have been supporting Palestine at every one of their gigs since the band formed in 2017. They even had a retort for Sharon Osbourne, who lambasted the Northern Ireland hip-hop group in a lengthy statement posted on social media.
Band member Mo Chara issued a statement to Rolling Stone via email, saying that Kneecap have have thrown their support behind Palestine “at every single gig since the band’s formation, long before October 2023 as the oppression and brutal occupation of Palestine has been ongoing for 77 years.”
He continued, “We believe we have an obligation to use our platform when we can to raise the issue of Palestine, and it was important for us to speak out at Coachella as the USA is the main funder and supplier of weapons to Israel as they commit genocide in Gaza. As I said from the stage, ‘The U.S. government could stop the genocide tomorrow.’ It’s important that young Americans hear and know it.”
During their performance at Coachella this past weekend, Kneecap projected the following messaging on the big screen behind them: “Fuck Israel, Free Palestine,” as well as, “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people … It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes.”
Sharon Osbourne, who is half Jewish, issued a lengthy statement blasting Kneecap and Coachella organizer Goldenvoice, reading in part, “I know for a fact that certain people in the industry had written to Goldenvoice, airing their concerns around the booking of Kneecap. I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa.”
In response to Osbourne’s criticism, Chara wrote to Rolling Stone, “Her rant has so many holes in it that it hardly warrants a reply, but she should listen to ‘War Pigs’ that was written by Black Sabbath (her husband).”
While Ozzy Osbourne is the lead singer of Black Sabbath, the lyrics to “War Pigs” were actually written by bassist Geezer Butler. Nonetheless, the song has a clear anti-war message, with the opening lines, “Generals gathered in their masses/ Just like witches at black masses/ Evil minds that plot destruction/ Sorcerer of death’s construction/ In the fields, the bodies burning/ As the war machine keeps turning/ Death and hatred to mankind/ Poisoning their brainwashed minds.”
Chara further told Rolling Stone, “The crowd chanting ‘Free Palestine’ at Coachella was a message of solidarity to the people of Gaza from regular Americans who want to see an end to the genocide, despite their government’s arming and funding Israel.”
English (US) · 