Kneecap Announces New Album 'Fenian' Following Controversy and Political Statements
Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap announces their new album 'Fenian' amidst past controversies and political statements that threatened to derail their career.
The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap has announced the release of their new LP, Fenian, on April 24. This marks their first album since a series of polarizing political statements threatened to derail their burgeoning career.
"We had all the motivation we needed," the group stated. "This isn’t a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed."
The group faced backlash in England when a video surfaced of a member appearing to say, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP" at a concert. This sparked an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which was ultimately dropped due to the statute of limitations. According to the police, "Relevant indictable offenses were considered by the investigation team, and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time."
When Kneecap performed at Coachella in April 2025, they displayed messages stating, "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "Fuck Israel / Free Palestine." The group also waved the Hezbollah flag and chanted "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at other shows. Counter-terrorism police assessed footage of these incidents, and a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the group.
"We do not think individuals expressing those views should be receiving government funding," the spokesperson stated, referencing a £14,250 government funding award given to the group. "The PM rejects the views expressed … does not shy away from condemning them."
In the aftermath, Kneecap parted ways with their booking agency, Independent Artist Group. Sharon Osborne even called for their visas to be revoked, stating, "Music’s primary purpose is to unite people. It should not be a venue for promoting terrorist organizations or spreading hate. This band openly support terrorist organizations. This behavior raises concerns about the appropriateness of their participation in such a festival and further shows they are booked to play in the USA."
Throughout the controversies, Kneecap continued to perform and release singles. Fenian will be their third album, following 2018’s 3CAG and 2024’s Fine Art. "Inspired by, and proudly named ‘Fenian’, who were warriors in Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish," the band wrote in a statement. "Now we’re using it to name everyone speaking truth to power. After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die, it didn’t. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta, and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed. And KNEECAP is much the same…we haven’t gone away. The Paddies are back."
Their new song “Liar’s Tale” is debuting on Wednesday night. And they’re playing a series of European festivals this summer.
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