Fontaines D.C. Project Pro-Palestinian Slogans at 45,000-Seat London Show

Irish rock group Fontaines D.C. used their largest headline show to date, a 45,000-capacity concert at London’s Finsbury Park on Saturday, to project the slogans “Free Palestine” and “Israel is committing genocide, use your voice” on giant screens flanking the stage. A Palestinian flag was also displayed behind the band while some equipment was wrapped in the flag’s colours and audience members waved additional banners. Frontman Grian Chatten encouraged chants of “Free Palestine” that began in the crowd and later joined Belfast rap trio Kneecap for a guest appearance during the afternoon line-up. The performance marked the latest in a series of pro-Gaza statements by the Dublin-based band, which aired similar messages during sets at Glastonbury and Primavera Sound earlier in the summer. The intervention comes amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism in the UK entertainment sector. Last week punk-rap duo Bob Vylan faced political backlash and the loss of a US tour after leading an anti-Israeli military chant at Glastonbury. Fontaines D.C. have not commented publicly on any potential repercussions following the London show.