Kneecap

Kneecap Live at The Depot, Cardiff

About the Event

Prepare for an electrifying night as Kneecap, the provocative and undeniably energetic hip-hop trio from Belfast, descend upon Cardiff’s iconic The Depot on Monday, 17 November 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s an immersion into the raw, unfiltered, and boundary-pushing world of Irish rap. Known for their audacious lyrical content, infectious beats, and unapologetic stage presence, Kneecap promise a performance that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and probably humming their anthems long after the final note. Their unique blend of Irish and English, laced with slang and social commentary, has captivated audiences worldwide, and their stop in Cardiff is set to be a landmark event for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable live music experience.

About Kneecap

Emerging from the vibrant and often overlooked musical landscape of Belfast, Kneecap have carved out a singular niche in the global music scene. Comprising the enigmatic MCs Mo Chara and BN$, alongside the driving force of DJ Próvaí, the trio burst onto the scene with a defiant spirit and a sound that defies easy categorization. Their music is a potent cocktail of hip-hop, punk, and traditional Irish influences, all delivered with a distinctive Belfast swagger.

What truly sets Kneecap apart is their unflinching authenticity and their fearless approach to subject matter. They rap in a fluid mix of Irish and English, a deliberate choice that reflects their heritage and adds a unique layer of cultural significance to their work. Their lyrics are often laced with dark humour, social observation, and a healthy dose of rebellion, tackling everything from political disenfranchisement and social inequality to the everyday realities of life in contemporary Northern Ireland. This authenticity resonates deeply with their growing fanbase, who appreciate their refusal to conform to mainstream expectations.

Their breakthrough came with singles like “C.U.N.T. (Come Under Next Tuesday)”, a track that immediately grabbed attention for its provocative title and equally bold lyrical content. This was followed by “Your Granny’s a Lesbo”, another track that cemented their reputation for controversial yet catchy songwriting. Their debut album, “Fine Art”, released in 2024, was met with widespread critical acclaim, showcasing their maturation as artists while retaining their signature raw energy. Tracks like “It’s Nice to be F*ing Cool”** and “Guilty Conscience” demonstrated their ability to craft potent anthems that are both thought-provoking and incredibly danceable. Kneecap’s live shows are legendary, a testament to their dynamic stage presence and their ability to connect with their audience on a visceral level. They are not a band you simply watch; they are a band you experience.

Venue Information

The Depot, located in the heart of Cardiff, is a renowned venue that has hosted some of the most exciting artists and events in the city. With its industrial-chic aesthetic and excellent sound system, it provides the perfect backdrop for the raw energy and infectious beats of Kneecap. The venue is known for its intimate yet energetic atmosphere, ensuring a close and personal encounter with the performers. For complete venue details, including accessibility information, transport links, and facilities, please see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an unadulterated explosion of energy when Kneecap takes the stage at The Depot. Their live performances are renowned for being nothing short of chaotic brilliance. Expect a setlist that seamlessly blends their most potent anthems with newer material, ensuring a journey through their discography that keeps the crowd on their feet from start to finish. While a definitive setlist is always a closely guarded secret, past performances suggest that you can anticipate roaring renditions of fan favourites such as “Better Than The Real Thing”, “Thy Fingers”, and the ever-popular “Drug Buzz”.

Kneecap’s performance style is characterized by its raw intensity and genuine connection with the audience. Mo Chara and BN$ command the stage with a magnetic presence, their rapid-fire delivery and charismatic banter keeping the energy levels soaring. DJ Próvaí provides the sonic bedrock, dropping beats that are as hard-hitting as they are infectious, driving the crowd into a frenzy. There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie between the trio and their audience, a feeling that everyone in the room is part of something special and a little bit rebellious.

The show is typically an all-out assault on the senses, delivered with a relentless pace that leaves no room for respite. While precise timings can vary, a Kneecap set usually clocks in at around 75 to 90 minutes of continuous, high-octane performance. This duration allows them to showcase their diverse range, from the more politically charged tracks to the outright party starters. Audience participation is not just encouraged; it’s practically mandatory. Expect to be singing along at the top of your lungs, bouncing to the rhythm, and absorbing the infectious energy that emanates from the stage. This is more than just a concert; it’s a communal catharsis, a celebration of individuality, and a testament to the power of unapologetic expression.

FAQs

Q1: What is Kneecap’s typical performance style? Kneecap are known for their incredibly energetic and uninhibited live shows. They combine raw hip-hop beats with punk-like stage presence. Expect intense vocal delivery, charismatic banter, and a high level of audience interaction. Their performances are often described as chaotic, exhilarating, and deeply engaging, with a strong sense of rebellious spirit.

Q2: Will Kneecap perform songs in both Irish and English? Absolutely. A significant part of Kneecap’s unique identity is their fluid use of both Irish (Gaeilge) and English in their lyrics. This linguistic blend is a hallmark of their music and is a key element of their live performances, adding a distinct cultural flavour to their sound.

Q3: What kind of themes do Kneecap typically address in their music? Kneecap’s lyrics are known for being bold, often provocative, and deeply observational. They frequently touch upon social and political issues relevant to contemporary Northern Ireland, including themes of identity, class, inequality, and youth culture. However, they also explore more personal experiences and often inject a strong dose of dark humour and irreverence into their subject matter.

Q4: Is Kneecap’s music suitable for all ages? Due to their explicit lyrical content and often adult themes, Kneecap’s music and live shows are generally considered more suitable for mature audiences. It is advisable to check specific age restrictions for The Depot’s event, but typically, their performances are for those aged 18 and over.

Q5: What are some of Kneecap’s most popular songs that I might hear live? While setlists can vary, you are very likely to hear fan favourites such as “C.U.N.T. (Come Under Next Tuesday)”, “Your Granny’s a Lesbo”, “Better Than The Real Thing”, “Thy Fingers”, “Drug Buzz”, and tracks from their critically acclaimed debut album “Fine Art” like “It’s Nice to be F***ing Cool” and “Guilty Conscience.” Their live performances often feature a mix of their most impactful and crowd-pleasing tracks.

Q6: How long does a typical Kneecap set last? A Kneecap live set typically runs for approximately 75 to 90 minutes. They are known for maintaining a high level of intensity throughout their performance, ensuring a consistently engaging and energetic experience for the audience.