Sharon Osbourne is calling for Kneecap to be banned from the United States following their contentious performance at Coachella.
The Belfast rap group performed during both weekends of the festival, where they made several provocative statements. During the first weekend, Kneecap incited the audience to chant something offensive regarding Margaret Thatcher while also expressing their support for the Palestinian people.
In the second weekend, Kneecap garnered attention by projecting messages onto a screen behind them, clearly stating their views.
Music manager and TV personality Sharon Osbourne found Kneecap’s performance objectionable and has appealed to officials to revoke their visa promptly.
She stated:
Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that undermined its moral and spiritual integrity. The festival organizer, Goldenvoice, contributed to this by permitting artists to utilize the Coachella stage for political expression. In a time when the world faces considerable turmoil, music should provide an escape rather than a platform for political discussion. Although festivals like Coachella demonstrate extraordinary talent from around the world, the primary purpose of music is to bring people together. It should not be a stage for endorsing terrorist groups or spreading hatred.
Referring to Green Day’s vocal support for Palestine during their headline performance, Sharon remarked: “While I respect their right to share their viewpoints, such discussions would have been better suited for their own concert, rather than a festival.”
In contrast, there is no such delicacy extended to Kneecap. Sharon Osbourne criticizes the group, stating:
Kneecap, the Irish rap collective, elevated their performance by integrating aggressive political messaging. Their actions included projecting anti-Israel content and hate speech, openly supporting terrorist organizations. This behavior raises questions about their suitability for the festival and emphasizes concerns regarding their booking in the USA. Reports suggest that Goldenvoice was unaware of Kneecap's political motives when they were contracted. However, permitting them to perform again after observing their initial performance signals endorsement of their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence.
She concludes: “I am aware that certain individuals in the industry contacted Goldenvoice to express their concerns regarding the booking of Kneecap. I encourage you to support my call for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa.”
Coachella 2025 will be remembered as a festival that compromised its moral and spiritual integrity. Goldenvoice, the festival organizer, facilitated this by allowing artists to use the Coachella stage as a platform for political expression. At a time when the world is… pic.twitter.com/moqSVyC2hs— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) April 22, 2025
Kneecap has not yet issued a response. Earlier today, the group was confirmed to open for Fontaines D.C. at a large event in Belfast.
Returning to the nation where label founder Samy Ben Redjeb commenced his record-hunting journey, Analog Africa’s newest release features 25 tracks of
El Paso group Late Night Drive Home has released a new single titled "She Came for a Sweet Time." The band's debut album is set to arrive on June 27th, showcasing an exceptional blend of sounds.
Durand Jones & The Indications have released a new track titled 'Flower Moon'. The band has returned, reuniting Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer, and Blake Rhein.
Although the Manic Street Preachers are not primarily associated with self-doubt, lyricist and bassist Nicky discussed this topic in an interview with The Observer earlier this year.
Sharon Osbourne calls for Kneecap to be expelled from the United States following their contentious performance at Coachella. The Belfast rap group performed during both weekends of the festival.