The Capital of Murder: Second German Show Canceled Over Palestinian Flag Display

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The Capital of the Murder Tour Changes

The capital of the murder had the second show in Germany, canceled from their intention to have a Palestinian flag with them.

  • READ MORE: The capital of the murder of “Words Lost mean” and talk about the new album “blindness”: “It is powerful to know how much you do not see”

Concert Cancellations and Reactions

Yesterday (May 10), the Irish group saw its concert at the Gretchen club in Berlin canceled after the institution learned about its plans to exhibit the Palestinian flag, which they have regularly displayed in recent months.

Now, frontman James McGovern confirmed via social networks that their show on Sunday evening (May 11) was also canceled at Gebäude 9 Cologne for the same reason.

Instead, the group will play an acoustic show in the open air at Rheinpark from 8 pm local time, encouraging fans to bring their own acoustic guitars. “Everyone is welcome,” the band stated.

On Saturday evening, the group played an improvised acoustic show near their original Berlin venue. Their show in Munich on May 8 was also uneventful, and their current tour—supporting their third album “blindness”—will continue throughout Europe at the end of this week.

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This summer, they also plan to perform at two festivals in Germany—the Hurricane Festival on June 21 and Southside Festival on June 22.

Explaining the situation, McGovern stated: “This morning we arrived in Cologne, hoping that what happened in Berlin yesterday would become an isolated incident. But today’s venue, Gebäude 9, also told us that we could not have a Palestinian flag on our stage.

We tried everything we could to find another place for today’s show, but it was impossible. So we will arrange an acoustic show in the open air in the park somewhere tonight.”

The group indicated they do not plan to change their policy regarding the display of the Palestinian flag, asserting that it “should be on our stage and should be visible everywhere in the world.”

“These people are being eradicated, being starved, bombed, and these war crimes and genocide are being committed by the Israeli state and are funded and supported by governments around the world.”

“Having a flag on our stage at a rock show is not a political statement, it’s a human reaction to a terrible and unimaginable situation. But this is not a story—it’s happening right now, today. We will forever support Palestine and its people. Free Palestine. Love is from us.”

After the Berlin show cancellation, the group delivered a passionate speech outside the venue to express their views—see the video above and read the transcript here.

Germany has strict laws against hate speech and anti-Semitism, leading to the cancellation of the planned shows within the country given their outspoken comments at Coachella and elsewhere regarding the Israeli government’s current operations.

The backlash against these actions has forced numerous prominent artists to sign a letter, facilitated by their label “Heavenly”, advocating for the “freedom of artistic expression.” The letter states: “In a democracy, no political figures or parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not perform at music festivals or concerts enjoyed by thousands.”

The capital of the murder has consistently supported Gaza and the Palestinian people, donating proceeds from their single “love for the country” to aid in Palestine. McGovern mentioned that the song addresses the “dark side of patriotism and nationalism, and what they become when they are distorted and weaponized.”

In a press release, he added: “Worldwide, we’re witnessing a surge of hatred towards the ‘other,’ spreading like a disease. No claim to land today is more barbaric than the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”

The band also reflected on the issue with NME last year: “Nationalism, patriotism—all these topics are hot for many different reasons: genocide occurring in Palestine, Trump being re-elected. Irishness often comes up, possibly because we feel pride in our atrocities and those filled with hatred towards the ‘others’.”

NME praised “blindness,” noting the track “love for the country” as a profound meditation on the tension between patriotism, nationalism, and xenophobia, showcasing McGovern’s songwriting at its sharpest.

The band is set to perform at its major show today at Ivega Gardens in Dublin on July 19, alongside guests for a soft game and Mary in a landfill. Find remaining tickets here.

Other major performances lined up include supporting Maccabees at all points in East London on August 24 (tickets here) and appearing at the ROSK ROCK N ROLL’s Rock N Roll in Sheffield on August 27 and 28 (tickets here).



https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-murder-capital-see-second-german-show-cancelled-over-palestinian-flag-display-3861957?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-murder-capital-see-second-german-show-cancelled-over-palestinian-flag-display

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