Walking into SWX on Wednesday night, we were immediately immersed in an eclectic energy. Fans proudly adorned tricolour flags, man bags, and exuded an unmistakable punk vibe. The room buzzed with anticipation, every corner alive with excitement as the Belfast trio Kneecap prepared to take the stage. DJ Próvai sets the tone with 3CAG, a perfect opener that got the crowd swaying, primed for the chaos to come.
A Kneecap show isn’t just a performance, it’s an experience. It hits harder than their beats, delivering something unlike any other hip-hop act. These three Irishmen bring razor-sharp wit, rebellious charisma, and unapologetically raw social and political commentary. In today’s climate, their words resonate more than ever, and the Bristol crowd was fully in tune.
The night felt like the best house party you’ve never been invited to, yet somehow couldn’t miss. Mo Chara and Móglaà Bap shattered the divide between artist and audience with raw, unfiltered engagement. They transformed the venue into a punk-fueled celebration of Irish culture, inciting friendly mosh pits and unleashing riotous party energy.
Beneath their dark humour and banter, Kneecap’s talent shines brightly. Their artistry isn’t just entertainment, it’s a movement, with their defiant energy and sharp lyricism, that speaks to a generation craving authenticity and rebellion. Fueled by Buckfast, bravado and the after party, they’ve crafted a cultural phenomenon that feels both urgent and timeless.
The night reached its climax with roaring renditions of fan favourites Get Your Brits Out and H.O.O.D. The crowd erupted, singing in unison with sheer, uncontainable joy. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a unifying celebration of spirit, identity, and unapologetic defiance.
If you get the chance to see Kneecap live, don’t hesitate. This show proved their bilingual brilliance and unmatched authenticity. Even with a rising profile—complete with a film and a packed 2025 festival circuit—Kneecap remains grounded in their roots, delivering performances that are as raw and real as they are unforgettable.
Cheyenne Jayne-Manning @scramsistermedia
Role: Photographer
I’m a professional photographer, and I love to shoot festivals, events, and gig-goers. I’m also an editor, specialising in music videos.
Qualification: BA (hons) in Documentary Film Making from the University of Newport.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: One of the first gigs I ever went to on my own was Chase & Status in 2008. My mates and I covered ourselves in glow paint, only to sweat it off jumping and dancing. It was the start of my never-ending gig list.
First gig shot: Technically the first band I ever shot would have been my dad’s, at the age of 9! My mum gave me this giant tape camcorder and I filmed the entire thing. Since then, I’ve shot plenty of friends’ bands whilst co-managing the live music venue, Le Pub in Newport, and I haven’t stopped since.
Dream gig: CASisDEAD, Slow Club, Enter Shikari, Dizzee Rascal (in the Boy In The Corner era), Turnstile, and The Prodigy.
