Johnny Marr has defended Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap against recent calls to censor the group’s upcoming performance at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival. In a statement, the former Smiths guitarist advocated for the right of all musicians to “speak out against injustice.” He also clarified his own stance on related issues, expressly stating that he stands with those calling for an end to the atrocities in Gaza and a free Palestine.
“After learning that calls have been made for Kneecap to be censored during their Glastonbury set, I think it’s important that I make my own position clear,” Marr wrote. “I’ve played Glastonbury many times and the festival has always had a political aspect. It was founded as a place of free expression and political activism and it’s a fact that I agreed to play there with the Smiths in 1984 purely because to do so at the time was a political act.”
He continued, “We are living through very troubling times, but for anyone who’s been interested in me or my music over the last 40 years, I feel like my political stance has always been very clear. Oppression fears artistic expression. I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give voice to the voiceless.”
“I stand with my audience and fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine,” Marr concluded.
Kneecap are slated to play Glastonbury on June 28th.
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