It would be hard to find another band that has quite captured the mouths of opinion in the same way that Irish hip-hop group Kneecap have managed to do so in the past year. From their unwavering solidarity with Palestine, to their critically acclaimed semi-biopic film and discrimination court case, 2024 has been a full-throttle year for the trio that at times could have made you forget they’re musicians first and foremost. To put it simply, where Kneecap has gone, the headlines have followed.
With the biggest night of their career ahead of them – a sold-out show at Belfast’s SSE Arena, there was much to look forward to. However, the buildup was struck by sudden grief. The father of Moglaí Bap, one of two vocalists, passed away the night before. An Irish language activist and the heart of his own community – there was no more fitting tribute than the opportunity for his son to encourage thousands of others to recite his language in his memory.
As a 9,000 strong crowd waited in anticipation for them to take the stage, there was a fervent buzz that built. Dublin band and support act ‘Gurriers’ did well in asking the crowd to match their energy, particularly on songs such as ‘Approachable’ and ‘Come And See’ that had the front of the arena bouncing and bumping to its rhythm, with every chance of not even knowing who they were. Clearly a rowdy bunch of musicians with a bright future, natural comparisons to Fontaines D.C and The Murder Capital are well earned but also don’t tell the full story – they easily stand on their own two feet and do so with a spring in their step.
A brief mention is also deserved of Shankill-born rapper Young Spencer, who appeared as a brief special guest before the main event. Taking his time to emphasise the importance of cross-community relationships, his short set showed a younger generation that champions diversity and strength in unity.
For those who have been a fan of Kneecap since their inception, it may have been strange to see them about to perform outside their natural habitat of a small and sweaty room. There was an inkling of a sense of pride in what was about to happen. Snow Patrol are the only other band from the north to headline Belfast’s very own arena – and they did it with worldwide radio playtime and a mainstream sound. For three men from west Belfast to capture an audience of that size with radio censorship and a controversial presence only shows a growing acceptance of changing times and desire for chaotic noise, something that only they can bring to the table. Indeed, the jump in size from one of Belfast’s smaller venues to its sole arena is one that could shake the legs of an unprepared performer. Thankfully, as they took to the stage amidst a roar of jeers it was clear the band had prepared aptly – with a healthy dose of their own self-confidence and a bottle of Buckfast to go alongside it.
Running onto the stage to their trad-inspired album opener ‘3CAG’ and bursting into single ‘It’s Been Ages’, a visible confidence quickly takes over the stage and pushes its way through to the crowd. While not at the energy levels typically associated with their performances, you could still sense a brewing fire that could later explode as the night went on. ‘Your Sniffer Dogs Are Sh*te” proved the moment to begin the bedlam, with their vocals shifting from mumbles to screams as madness ensued.
The pace of the show never slowed down from here – only when both Moglaí Bap and Mo Chara stopped to allow a breather and voice their appreciation for what they were witnessing. The silliness of 9,000 people rapping alongside them to lyrics of taking ketamine strong enough to kill a rhino was not lost on them.
The shock of the night came as Fontaines D.C singer Grian Chatten was brought on stage for his feature in ‘Better Way To Live’, a completely unexpected appearance that sparked a furious sing-along with the rest of the crowd. Meanwhile, ‘Parful’ – a song inspired by the raves in Belfast during the 90s that brought Catholics and Protestants together through music – marked an opportunity for both vocalists to have a break before the encore as DJ Provaí maintained the energy. Both ‘C.E.A.R.T.A’ and ‘Get Your Brits Out’ provided another chance for a singalong but there was only one sing that the night could end on. ‘H.O.O.D’ has become something of an anthem for the band – an empowering song that packs so much gut and angst into its ballistic beat. The balaclaving-wearing DJ wasted no time in jumping into the crowd, moshing and surfing while the band’s other two members poured all lasting energy into their vocals.
With an expected curtain drop for the night, there was one more moment yet to happen. The screen behind the band showed a new image – “Gearóid ó Cairealláin, 1957-2024”. ‘Fairytale of New York’ began to play, with all performers of the night joining hand in hand to listen to the crowd’s admiration of a man who championed his indigenous language, for himself, his family and his community.
Kneecap delivering the largest Irish language concert in the history of the north is enough to etch their names into the history of the city that raised them. A performance in every sense of the word, you will struggle to find another live show that is as raw and authentic as Kneecap presents themselves on stage. They’ve had a more eventful year than most can imagine, and playing in front of 9,000 people felt like the victory lap they have rightfully earned.
Words by Niall McGreevy