Cork singer Mick Flannery is latest artist to boycott SXSW music event

Gavin James, Kneecap, Soda Blonde, and Sprints have already withdrawn from events at the American music festival

Mick Flannery singer musician

Cork singer Mick Flannery has joined a number of Irish artists in pulling out of scheduled appearances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music and technology event in Austin, Texas, later this week.

The withdrawals are a result of protests at event sponsorships by the American military, and major sponsorships from military-industrial companies.

In a statement posted on X, Flannery said he "will not be playing at the previously advertised official showcase" at the event in Texas.

"I do not wish to be associated with weapons manufacturers," the statement read.

In previous days, other Irish acts, including Kneecap, Gavin James, Soda Blonde, and Sprints have withdrawn from the event.

In total, SXSW is expected to feature more than 2,000 performers.

A number of other Irish acts are due to take part in various showcases organised by Music From Ireland, with funding from state body Culture Ireland. These include Cork acts Cardinals, as well as Galway band NewDad.

SXSW was founded in Austin in 1988, and has grown through the decades to become a multi-faceted event that had approximately 345,000 attendees last year.