PAUL Weller has doubled down on his support for Kneecap by sharing a cuppa with them in the capital.
Last month, the Modfather was one of 40 acts who signed an open letter opposing what they claim were efforts to censor the trio due to politically charged statements made during performances.
However, jetting into Dublin this week, the 67-year-old went one step further by sharing a cuppa with the Belfast rappers at Phibsborough’s Bang Bang Cafe last Thursday night.
An insider told The Irish Sun: “Paul was over in Dublin working on another project but wanted to meet up with Kneecap.
“He’s a good friend and Kneecap were able to thank Paul for all his support over a brew.”
The Belfast musicians were celebrating with Paul and Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert after their Irish language film scooped the top prize at the Celtic Media Awards.
Set in west Belfast, the film tells the story of how fate brought bandmembers, Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Moglai Bap together to “change the sound of Irish music forever”.
The self-titled movie was awarded the Spirit of the Festival at the celebration of media throughout the Celtic nations and regions.
Kneecap look set to play one of the biggest dates in their career to 12,500 punters at London’s Wembley Arena next September 18.
Their popularity is continuing to grow as member Mo Chara faces an impending court case on June 18 after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.
In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
Kneecap were cancelled from the TRNSMT concert lineup in Glasgow, which they were due to play in July, due to safety concerns from UK police according to the festival, despite having played the city numerous times previously.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury have confirmed band will not be cancelled from the festival and have put the group on a larger slot on the Saturday afternoon at West Holts Stage.
Paul Weller, Primal Scream, and DJ Annie Mac were among the big names to sign an open letter supporting the group last month which denounced the alleged attempts to suppress the band’s artistic expression.
It urged a stance against political interference in artistic freedom at festivals and gigs, emphasizing the stance that true censorship lies in ignoring global humanitarian crises, such as the situation in Gaza.
BAND BACKLASH
Kneecap was criticised after graphics saying “F*** Israel” were displayed at the Coachella festival in California.
Videos were then unearthed of a band member appearing to shout “Up Hamas” and “kill your local MP”.
The band issued an apology to the families of the murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox.
The members said their “message has always been and remains — one of love, inclusion and hope”.
They have previously denied supporting Hezbollah or Hamas.
