Kneecap make US debut on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap appeared on a popular US chat show over the weekend.

The trio appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Saturday, March 9.

The group are currently set to kick off their North American tour in Philadelphia on March 18 and performed their new single Sick in The Head on the show. 

The rap group had a controversial appearance on RTÉ's Late Late Show when DJ Próvaí wore a pro-Palestine football jersey and the band sported pro-Palestine watermelon badges amid the on-going Israel/Palestine war, despite a request from the show’s producers not to break broadcasting rules about impartiality.

Speaking to the Irish Star ahead of their Jimmy Fallon appearance the group said "they will not get away with anything as it is pre-recorded."

After the appearance the group took to Instagram to share a statement. 

The trio said: "If you've just started following us because of our appearance on The Tonight Show welcome a chairde (friends). It was an honor to be welcomed onto the biggest show in America. Thanks to Jimmy for having us and spending some time with us. Tonight was a pre-record performance, which meant our ability to make a statement on current events was not possible. We will always use our voice to speak about the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people, sadly being facilitated by the US. Use your voice to call for an immediate ceasefire and those responsible for war crimes to be brought to justice. Free Palestine."

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A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32)

The group have received positive feedback following the performance across social media. 

One user commented under the YouTube video "Class performance lads! Chomh corraithe le haghaidh cad atá le teacht."

Another user said: "Kneecap finally going international!! Great job lads."

Another user said: "My mom is from west Belfast. Couldn’t be more proud to be Irish today. Excellent job boys. Got a tear in my eye."