Sprints, Kneecap, NewDad, Chalk and every other Irish artist booked to perform official showcases at this week's SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas have withdrawn from the event, after it was revealed that the US army and defence contractors which supply weapons to Israel are among its sponsors.
A significant number of artists have now dropped out of the prestigious festival, which has long been a showcase for the world's best new bands, as a protest against the continuing bombing of Gaza.
