Kneecap forced to cancel US tour dates as Mo Chara terrorism verdict delayed

Kneecap have been forced to cancel 15 tour dates in the US after the verdict on member Mo Chara's terrorism charges was delayed at a hearing last week.

The Irish rap trio shared an update yesterday (August 25), confirming that the tour's "close proximity" to Chara's new court date - which has been set for September 26 - would mean the run of October shows would no longer be able to go ahead. 

"With every show fully sold out, this is news we are sad to deliver," reads a statement issued by Kneecap. "But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour to all you great heads."

Read this next: Verdict delayed on terror charge for Kneecap's Mo Chara at latest court hearing

The trio confirmed that their Canadian shows, which consist of four sold-out events in Vancouver and Toronto, will not be affected.

"We also have some good news. We will be sharing something very special for US fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October," the statement continues. "It's top secret for now, but all will be revealed next week - stay tuned."

Mo Chara, AKA Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court last Wednesday (August 20), on terrorism charges relating to an alleged incident at a show at London's O2 Kentish Town in 2024. 

A resurfaced video from the show was submitted to the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit, appearing to show Chara flying a Hezbollah flag — a banned organisation under UK anti-terror laws. 

Read this next: Kneecap accuse Met of "political policing" following Mo Chara terrorism charge

According to The Belfast Telegraph, the judgement was delayed after Chara's defence team asked for the charges to be "thrown out" since they were brought a day after the six-month limit, calling it a "technical blunder".

Both Chara and Kneecap have maintained the charges are part of a “carnival of distractions” by the British government, accusing it of attempting to silence the trio over their vocal support of Palestinian people amid Isreal's ongoing genocide against the people of Gaza.

US ticketholders for Kneecap's shows this October will be able to apply for a refund via the same platform they purchased them from. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter