Kneecap delivers politically charged set at Rock Werchter, earning five-star reviews
Irish rap group Kneecap used their mainstage slot at Rock Werchter to denounce the war in Gaza, projecting 'Free Palestine' and calling out Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, while delivering a high-energy performance that earned top marks from critics.
Political protest on the mainstage
Kneecap opened their set with a projection of "Free Palestine" on the big screens. Rapper Mo Chara paused the beats to address the crowd, drawing parallels between Irish history and the Palestinian cause.
The group also displayed a message stating that Israel has killed 100,000 people since 2023.As Irish people, we know what colonialism is. That's why we insist on showing our solidarity with the Palestinians in every show. Fuck Netanyahu. Free Palestine.
A five-star performance
Despite the early 15:30 slot, the crowd was already packed and energetic. The 60-minute set was a whirlwind of moshpits and genre-hopping beats, with DJ Próvai blending bass, breakbeat, and old-school rap.
De Standaard awarded the show five stars, calling Kneecap "unmatched as an itchy louse in the pelt."That you're going this hard at this hour and in these temperatures, we don't take for granted.
Other day-three highlights
Irish country-pop singer CMAT also earned five stars, with Studio Brussel presenter Fien Germijns declaring her the "real headliner" before a euphoric set. Gorillaz, fronted by Damon Albarn, delivered a solid four-star show despite Albarn's visibly merry state. The Haunted Youth impressed with a darker, more confident sound, while Dogstar, featuring Keanu Reeves on bass, failed to convince.
Legal backdrop
The performance came less than a year after rapper Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) faced a court case in London over displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah during a 2024 show. The case was dismissed due to procedural errors. The band called it a deliberate attempt to silence them and vowed to continue speaking out against injustice in Palestine.
