Fontaines D.C. are, without a doubt, one of the finest bands performing today. They also represent a modern-day pinnacle of the Irish music scene, alongside other giants like KNEECAP, who put their heart and soul into the revival of Irish culture and language.
What an opportunity it was to see the band that has had my heart since the release of their 2022 masterpiece ‘Skinty Fia’, as well as KNEECAP, a recent favourite of mine. A massive point of appeal for these two bands is their political outreach about the genocide in Gaza. Throughout the performances, there were chants of “Free Palestine” and messages being shown on the screens in solidarity with Palestine. The crowd’s passion was palpable, and it was clear that everybody was brought together not just by the music but by the political matters being discussed.
KNEECAP were the support act for Fontaines D.C. after the previous two acts of The Murder Capital (another Irish band) and English Teacher from Leeds, UK. KNEECAP were a perfect choice to support since they were so incredible at getting the crowd riled up, moshing and ecstatic all around. The charismatic Mo Chara filled every gap of silence with a joke to set the crowd off. At times, it felt more like a comedy show than a gig. But soon I was snapped out of it with the beats blasting through my ears. Along with some impressive Irish rapping. It was even more impressive that the crowd, all largely Mancunian, knew all the lyrics to the songs; even those in Irish, a very tricky language. They reinforced the day’s central message: “Free Palestine,” as well as mentioning Mo Chara’s headline-making drama and his new court date. “Free Mo Chara” was chanted shortly after.
After their set, the impatience was clear. There were large groups of people weaving through the crowd to get to the best position they could find. The air buzzed with excitable chatter. It was unimaginable to see so many people feel so connected to a band and their cause. I can say that as a frequent concert attendee, I felt very much heightened compared to other gigs I’ve been to.
Fontaines D.C. came on stage at roughly 8.40 pm. Their first song was the new release ‘Starburster/ In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)’ from their deluxe version of ‘Romance.’ This opener ensured that the anticipation was still high, giving the fans the thrill of being able to say, “I’ve seen Fontaines!” The pace of the song especially felt like a perfect choice to begin the headliner.
A few songs in, ‘It’s Amazing to Be Young’ was called upon, this song being another newer release. It was also dedicated to KNEECAP, which was lovely to see the camaraderie between the two bands, as previously seen in the friendly hug between Grian Chatten and Móglaí Bap during their shared song ‘Better Way to Live.’
The gig soon moved to a slower, more emotional side, as they played songs like ‘Before You I Just Forget’, ‘Motorcycle Boy’, and ‘Horseness Is the Whatness.’ All these songs felt like ones you would need your flashlight for, which, for me, is one of the best parts of a gig. It was a symbolic reminder that everyone was part of something bigger.
‘Nabakov’ was one of my favourites to see live. The instrumental on that track hit with a raw intensity that felt dreamlike live. I am extremely grateful they played it since my other two favourites, ‘Skinty Fia’ and the folk-ish sounding ‘Dublin City Sky’, didn’t make the setlist.
The encore followed, filled with some of the best closing tracks: ‘Romance’, ‘In the Modern World’ (another slower masterpiece), ‘I Love You’, and finally ‘Starburster.’ ‘I Love You’ was especially good at this gig, as the entire crowd sang as one during the chorus, as the band displayed their solidarity with Palestine on the screens once more. Closing with ‘Starburster’ gave the crowd one last burst of energy before the journey home, as well as confirming that their excitement would linger for days to come.
It was a night I will never forget, packed with laughter, great music, and conversations with strangers that made the night a forever memorable experience!
Words & Photos: Belle Smith
