Multiple Irish bands follow Kneecap's lead and have pulled out of playing SXSW

The Irish contingent travelling to Texas has shrunk by over 50%

SXSW is undoubtedly a huge deal for up-and-coming bands, as the music industry's media, booking agents, management companies, talent scouts and more descend on Austin, Texas in a bid to find the next big thing.

Not every band gets an opportunity to play the famous showcase festival, so deciding to pull out of it is a big deal - with financial consequences for many independent bands.

However, several Irish bands have now followed Kneecap's lead and announced that they are not travelling to Texas to play the festival in solidarity with the people of Palestine because of its links to (and sponsorship by) the US Army, amongst others.

They include Soda Blonde, Mick Flannery, Sprints, Robert Grace, Gavin James and Chalk, all of whom were scheduled to travel to SXSW as part of the ten-strong Music From Ireland contingent.

You can see their statements below.

A fellow musician, Ailbhe Reddy, has pointed out the financial implications of bands pulling out of the festival, and has put together a list of merch stores for each band - which you can find here.