John Lydon Hits Out at Kneecap: “They Need A Bloody Good Kneecapping”

As we all know, John Lydon has never exactly been one to bite his tongue. His latest appearance on Good Morning Britain was no exception. This time his target was Irish rap trio, Kneecap.

The former Sex Pistols frontman let rip declaring the trio “my enemy from here on in for the rest of your mediocre existence” and suggesting they “need a bloody good kneecapping”.

I mean, it’s not exactly subtle. But then, neither are Kneecap.

The Belfast-based group have been making headlines since their Coachella appearance in April, where they projected “Fuck Israel, Free Palestine” during their set. The move sparked international backlash, followed by fresh scrutiny when older footage resurfaced. This includes clips where members appear to shout “kill your local MP”. That footage is now under investigation by UK counter-terror police.

Lydon wasn’t having any of it. “If you’re advocating the death of another human being, then you have no cause whatsoever,” he said. “You shouldn’t be making enemies of your fellow human beings.”

He also accused the group of chasing controversy for headlines. “They think they’re following the Sex Pistols route,” he said. “It’s helpful, isn’t it, when you get the Financial Times propping you up.”

For their part, Kneecap have denied promoting violence or supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, calling the claims “deliberately taken out of context”. They say the footage being circulated misrepresents their stance, and insist their use of violent imagery — including the name ‘Kneecap’ — is satirical, rooted in reclaiming Northern Ireland’s past through art and dark humour.

Plenty of high-profile artists have backed them, too. The list includes Massive Attack, Tom Morello, Pulp, Fontaines D.C., and more who have all signed letters defending the band’s right to protest.

Still, the fallout has been real. Shows have been pulled. Their working visas have been questioned and the media frenzy has gone into overdrive.

Lydon’s comments, whilst unfiltered make for an interesting case of freedom of expression. Of where, and how artists can draw the line. And in the middle of it all, a band that’s always known exactly how to stir the pot.