Live Report: KNEECAP deliver knock out Electric Arena set

In an unusual move for a band, KNEECAP aren't the first people to greet their heaving hoards at the Electric Arena.

It's Lankum's Radie Peat who emerges onto the enormous stage- delivering her recent collaboration with KNEECAP, '3CAG'.

The track is the set opener (as well as the album opener on the Belfast group's recent debut LP Fine Art), and it serves as the perfect aperitif for their stacked 45 minute set.

Moglaí Bap, in spite of his republicanism, calls on the crowd for a round of applause for the "Queen of Ireland" Radie Peat.

KNEECAP @ Electric Picnic 2024, 17/08/24 Photo: Maya Solanki

"This is definitely the biggest crowd we have ever had", says Mo Chara as he looks over the sea of fans sardined into the Electric Arena. Indeed, the numbers appear main stage worthy.

Clearly jubilant, he says that we should all relish in it- "Never Again will there be this many Irish headliners at EP".

Grian Chatten is beamed in digitally for 'Better Way to Live', the bands hit single off their debut LP, and it's catchy baseline and Dublin chorus is met with resounding cheers.

KNEECAP @ Electric Picnic 2024, 17/08/24 Photo: Maya Solanki

It's not just cheers for KNEECAP and their tunes- their are chats of "Free, Free Palestine". Peppered in among the hoards are Palestinian flags and keffiyehs, and the crowd was most definitely receptive to their message of "Get The US Military Out of Shannon".

Nino joined the hip hop trio on stage for their dance track collaboration- 'Love Making'.

Mosh pit etiquette was first and foremost, with Mo Chara instructing the group on how to mosh, and it was need as massive pounding circles were established for 'Get Your Brits Out' and 'Fine Art'.

It wasn't all anger and social justice however, there were genuinely tender moment; particularly when the group led 'H.O.O.D.' with a moving tribute to the recently deceased Eoin French of Talos.

Raucous, republican and life affirming; Electric Arena proved to be a sure fire festival highlight for any attendee.