A HEADLINE SHOW by Belfast rap group Kneecap in Vienna next month has been cancelled “due to acute safety concerns” following political pressure from Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ).

The show, which was due to take place on 1 September at the Gasometer venue, was called off after FPÖ politician Leo Lugner threatened legal action against the venue operator.

Lugner had claimed last week that the Gasometer would need to be “scrutinised with regard to all public funding” if the performance went ahead.

The cancellation follows the scrapping of a planned screening of Kneecap’s film in Vienna earlier this summer, also due to “safety concerns”.

In a statement on social media, Kneecap said that 3,500 people had been expected at the gig, adding: “We are sorry: this is out of our hands.

“F*** Leo Lugner,” the group added.

“Yet again, it is clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people,” Kneecap said.

“But as always, we will fight on for what is right.”

"Due to acute safety concerns on the part of the authorities”, our planned show in Vienna on September 1st is cancelled.

This follows the recent cancellation of a screening of our movie as part of the Vienna Cultural Summer due to “threats” and “security concerns”.

Leo… pic.twitter.com/VrUPlicSZ8

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 8, 2025

All tickets to the event will be refunded.

The venue’s operator, Racoon Live Entertainment GmbH, confirmed that the concert was being cancelled “due to acute safety concerns raised by the responsible authorities”.

In a press release to Austrian media last week, Lugner criticised the gig and accused the band of supporting terrorism.

“Anyone who celebrates and supports terrorism is crossing every red line. This has nothing to do with freedom of art or freedom of expression,” he said.

He also described the planned concert as “a real scandal”.

Leo Lugner, member of the controversial far-right FPÖ party. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Kneecap are known for their confrontational lyrics and pro-Palestinian activism, and have previously been dropped from festivals in Germany and the UK.

They were banned from entering Hungary last month, ahead of a scheduled appearance at the Sziget Festival, after government officials claimed the band “glorifies terror”.

The group has denied all accusations of antisemitism or support for terrorism.

British police recently closed an investigation into their Glastonbury performance, saying there was “insufficient evidence” to bring charges.

Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, is currently facing a terrorism-related charge in the UK relating to a flag allegedly displayed during a London gig.

He is due in court later this month.

The group has apologised for the controversy and said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.

Kneecap last performed in Austria three years ago, and have now announced a replacement show in Warsaw on the same date.