Kneecap, Lambrini Girls, Sprints, Scowl and more are boycotting SXSW 2024

Several bands have announced their withdrawal from this year's edition of SXSW, citing the event's association with the US army and weapons companies amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Among those pulling out are Kneecap, Sprints, Lambrini Girls, and Scowl, joining other artists in a stand of solidarity with Palestine.

Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap explained their decision was made "in solidarity with the people of Palestine" and highlighting the "unacceptable deep links" SXSW has with the US army and defence contractor RTX Corporation. They stressed the significant financial impact this decision would have on them but considered it minimal compared to the "unimaginable suffering being inflicted every minute of every day on the people of Gaza."

Kneecap also pointed out the involvement of Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems, accusing them of selling weapons that have "murdered 31,000 Palestinians, over 21,000 of them women and children."

Sprints also announced their withdrawal, expressing their stand against the US Army sponsorship and defence contractor involvement in this year's festival. They emphasised their solidarity with the Palestinian people as the driving force behind their decision.