Kneecap controversially showcases missing King George V statue head at concert
- During a concert in Melbourne, the rap trio Kneecap featured what appeared to be the missing head of a King George V statue.
- This statue was decapitated amidst a series of anti-colonial acts targeting imperial symbols in Victoria over the last year.
- Kneecap's bold stage presence and political commentary have sparked renewed discussions about colonialism and historical representation.
In Melbourne, Australia, a remarkable event transpired during a performance by the politically charged Northern Irish rap group Kneecap over St. Patrick's Day weekend. The group unexpectedly presented what appeared to be the missing head of a statue of King George V, which had been decapitated in the city amid a wave of anti-colonial protests. This incident is part of a larger narrative involving the contentious history of imperialism and its symbols in contemporary society. The statue itself was vandalized in June 2024 as part of various acts of defacement aimed at statues representing colonial figures, which saw similar incidents across Melbourne and Canberra, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding Australia’s colonial past. Kneecap’s decision to bring the statue’s head on stage was both a statement and a testament to their reputation for provocative performances and Republican politics. They playfully described the appearance of the head as a surprise visit from some