FREE PALESTINE: RESISTANCE ECHOES THROUGH TRNSMT 2025 | MUST SEE ARTISTS

No Kneecap? Here’s the artists who support Palestine at TRNSMT you can’t miss

When Scotland’s biggest music festival of the year, TRNSMT, announced that Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap were to be dropped from this years line up due to ‘safety concerns’, the backlash was fierce. Not only did their axe spark frustration from the ones who had bought tickets on the basis of the bands appearance, but also from the wider community who stand with the bands Pro-Palestine activism.

Naturally, disappointment was shared by the Northern Exposure team of the decision to remove Kneecap from the festival. At a time when people are speaking out against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, silencing voices that raise awareness feels deeply wrong. The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel is in breach of humanitarian laws, including plausibly on genocide. Thousands of innocent people including children, medics and journalists are being killed , starved, and displaced every single day, any silence on the matter is deafening. Despite the axe being on Police advice, the message is loud and clear from the Scottish Government and DF Concerts: Pro-Palestine voices are not wanted.

Arguably, you could bring the sectarianism argument into the spotlight, and that Kneecaps presence would ultimately upset some groups on their calendar marked 12th July celebrations across the city. Regardless of the agenda, the bands exclusion has only rattled some cages, and whilst the obvious answer is to hit tit for tat and boycott the event, we believe we have duty to ensure Palestine presence is felt and that bands who continue to show bollocks, get the limelight they deserve.

We have brought together a selection of artists at this year’s festival, who we believe will share our values on speaking up for what is right.

FONTAINES D.C.

It goes without saying that Ireland’s biggest export of the moment, Fontaines D.C. will use their platform on this year’s main stage to advocate for Palestinian voices. Last year, during the Rolling Stone UK Awards, Fontaines guitarist Carlos O’Connell accepted the bands award for ‘Best Album’, sharing the message:

“It’s kind of weird that this is the first time it’s been said all night, but I’m just gonna say it: Free Palestine. F*** Netanyahu. F*** Zionism. Free Palestine.”

A statement of no real shock value to those who have followed the band over the years, O’Connell’s support was warmly accepted by the movement. Just days after the speech, Pro-Palestine demonstrations took place outside the bands gigs, including Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, where passion and plight ignited voices outside the venue.

During festival appearances and their own Finsbury Park headline show, Fontaines D.C. projected the strong message on screen of “Israel is committing genocide”. Met with a roar of applause every time, the bands message is loud and clear and we expect nothing less than solidarity at this year’s TRNSMT Festival.

Fontaines D.C. will make their return to TRNSMT on Saturday, taking to the Main Stage at 7.30pm.

BIIG PIIG

Another Irish voice not afraid to be heard is that of alt-pop/rap artist Biig Piig. Celebrating both their Irish and Spanish roots, the artist has been vocal in her support for Palestine for many years. Organising GAZA AID in early 2024, the London based benefit show at the capitals Village Underground featured appearances from the likes of Lava La Rue, Maverick Sabre and more, raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

Ahead of the event, Biig Piig shared “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the most horrific I’ve seen in my lifetime. There have been so many lives destroyed and dreams taken from innocent people. I wanted to hold an event to raise money to support the people that have been affected and to spread awareness to what’s happening in real time.”

Furthermore, Biig Piig has just been announced as part of a strong line up of speakers and artists joining the protest organised by London Irish Brigade on August 20th in support of Kneecap’s Mo Chara’s next court appearance.

Biig Piig will bring her dynamic show to the King Tuts Stage this Saturday at 5.25pm.

NXDIA

Set for Sunday’s King Tuts Stage is non binary Egyptian born Manc artist, NXDIA.

Having been a vocal Palestine supporter for many years now, Nxdia uses their huge social media platform to advocate for important topics such as LGBTQ+ rights. With over 1.2 million followers on TikTok alone, it’s evident that NXDIA’s music and strong voice resonates deeply with young fans across the country.

Releasing their debut album I Promise No One’s Watching in June, Nxdia’s mix of alt-pop with big beats are interweaved with both English and Arabic language throughout the album.

Nxdia opens the King Tuts Stage this Sunday at 12.30pm

CHLOE SLATER

Another young female and non-binary voice which we know is a huge advocate for Gaza, is Manchester’s Chloe Slater.

The rising indie-pop star lays heavily on societal and political issues in and out of her music. Slater’s unapologetic approach has struck a chord with many music fans who like her, are demanding change. Back in January, we attended Chloe’s own fundraising concert alongside Yasmin Coe and Fletcher, Fletcher who raised money for both Palestine and Lebanon communities.

Chloe Slater is set to make her BBC Introducing Stage TRNSMT debut on Saturday, taking to the brand new stage at 7.10pm.

JADE

Jade Thirlwall, the former Little Mix singer behind the 2024 hit Angel of My Dreams, is one of the more high profile voices to be supporting Palestine publicly.

During her recent Glastonbury set, Jade led the audience in a call-and-response in which she denounced the UK government for “justifying genocide” in Gaza. The pop star has also been seen regularly attending public protests against the ongoing Palestine genocide.

Jade will making her TRNSMT debut this Sunday at 6.30pm over on the Main Stage.

It is important to acknowledge that this list is not exhaustive, as numerous artists will undoubtedly utilize their platforms this weekend to voice their opposition to the various atrocities occurring globally at this moment. However, in a climate where many voices are being suppressed and censorship is prevalent, one must consider how many will rise to advocate for those who remain unheard, particularly in relation to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The urgency of the situation calls for a collective responsibility among artists and public figures to not only raise awareness but also to challenge the narratives that seek to silence dissent. As the world watches, the question remains: who will step forward to amplify the cries for justice, not just with chants but will real calls for change.

TRNSMT 2025 on Glasgow Green Friday 11th – 13th July with remaining tickets available HERE.

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