In a gesture blending music, politics, and humor, the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap showcased what appeared to be the severed head of a King George V statue at their concert in Melbourne, Australia, over St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Kneecap Brings Controversial King George V Statue Head to Life Concert in Melbourne
Kneecap Brings Controversial King George V Statue Head to Life Concert in Melbourne
The Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap creates a buzz by featuring a decapitated statue head during their St. Patrick’s Day show in Australia.
The irreverent trio, known for their politically charged performances, took to Instagram to share the unusual addition to their stage. “Some madman dropped by with a huge King George’s head so he could hear a few tunes for our last Melbourne show!” they posted beside a picture featuring the imposing bronze head in front of band member Mo Chara.
This theatrical moment ties back to a months-long curiosity regarding the statue of King George V, which was decapitated last June in a spree of anticolonial protests across Victoria. The statue's head gained notoriety earlier in the year when it was filmed on a barbecue grill in flames. After disappearing once again, it resurfaced unexpectedly at Kneecap's performance. “Allegedly his head was cut off last year in the city... anyways he was put on stage for a few tunes and then whisked away,” stated the group. Their posts encapsulated a core part of their message, “Remember every colony can fall 🔥”.
Kneecap, which consists of West Belfast musicians Mo Chara, Moglai Bap, and DJ Provai, has garnered significant attention in the past year with their energetic performances and a biopic receiving critical acclaim. The rap group is noted for its exuberant and politically charged shows, where frontman Bap often appears shirtless and consuming Buckfast—a popular tonic wine.
Embedded in their music is an anti-colonialist narrative, along with advocacy for the Irish language, which historically faced suppression during British rule. The trio blends both Irish and English in their performances, emphasizing the significance of preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
This theatrical moment ties back to a months-long curiosity regarding the statue of King George V, which was decapitated last June in a spree of anticolonial protests across Victoria. The statue's head gained notoriety earlier in the year when it was filmed on a barbecue grill in flames. After disappearing once again, it resurfaced unexpectedly at Kneecap's performance. “Allegedly his head was cut off last year in the city... anyways he was put on stage for a few tunes and then whisked away,” stated the group. Their posts encapsulated a core part of their message, “Remember every colony can fall 🔥”.
Kneecap, which consists of West Belfast musicians Mo Chara, Moglai Bap, and DJ Provai, has garnered significant attention in the past year with their energetic performances and a biopic receiving critical acclaim. The rap group is noted for its exuberant and politically charged shows, where frontman Bap often appears shirtless and consuming Buckfast—a popular tonic wine.
Embedded in their music is an anti-colonialist narrative, along with advocacy for the Irish language, which historically faced suppression during British rule. The trio blends both Irish and English in their performances, emphasizing the significance of preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
