Rescheduled Kneecap Glasgow gig sells out pre-sale in seconds

Irish musicians Kneecap have sold out the pre-sale for their Glasgow show in 80 seconds after being removed from the TRNSMT festival.

The rap trio announced a rescheduled gig at the city's O2 Academy on 8 July after promoters DF Concerts axed them from the 11 July event at Glasgow Green due to "safety concerns expressed by police".

The decision came after a member of the Irish language group was charged with a terror offence over the display of a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig in November last year.

They were also criticised over footage from a concert in 2023 appearing to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

The group are still due to perform at the Glastonbury festival on 28 June.

Kneecap said the speed of the sale was a "new record" in a statement on X and added that the general sale, which begins on Saturday at 10:00, is also expected to sell out "in seconds".

Ticketmaster has been asked by the BBC what percentage of tickets available for the concert are pre-sale tickets but it is believed to be just a small number.

The group were taken off the TRNSMT bill on Wednesday.

They apologised to fans for the decision, which they said was "out of [our] hands".

The group added: "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many, many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will."

DF Concerts said: "Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap will no longer perform at TRNSMT on Friday, 11 July.

"We thank fans for their understanding."

BBC Scotland News has asked Police Scotland to clarify the security concerns raised with the promoters and whether special arrangements are in place for the 8 July show.

Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.

Officers were made aware of the video on 22 April.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, and has been charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 18 June.

The band have apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox.