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Kneecap, known for their political stance and calls for actions, have been making the headlines for all the right political reasons this year. Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was released on unconditional bail after his first court appearance and being charged for terrorism after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag whilst performing in November 2024.

The musicians have been some of the most vocal people and supporters of Palestine in the Israel genocide and sparked many comments after their speech during their Coachella set back in April. Since then and since Mo’s court appearances, many supporters came out both for the Irish band but also to show their support to Palestine which has prompted the Met Police to issue a Public Order Act conditions for today’s court date. Per their statement, those conditions are being put in place to “prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest” outside the court.  

 

 

 

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Fans were heard outside the Magistrates Court singing Irish Folk songs whilst holding signs that read “Free Palestine”, “Free Mo Chara” as well as “Defend Kneecap: Drop The Charges”. Palestinian flags were waved as cars on the main road actively beeped in support. Famous Paul Weller, Jam’s frontman was spotted amongst the supporters.

Kneecap have consistently denied supporting either Hezbollah or Hamas as they say they do not condone nor incite any violence, arguing that the footage from their November gig was taken out of context to distract people from the real problem at hand.

The band was also put under investigation after making remarks about members of parliament during their performances. When asked if he regretted said comments, Chara said: “Why should I regret it? It was a joke – we’re playing characters, it’s satirical, it’s a fucking joke. And that’s not the point. The point is, that wasn’t an issue until we said ‘Free Palestine’ at Coachella. That stuff happened 18 months ago, and nobody batted an eyelid.”

Today’s court proceedings will see the likes of Gurriers, Nadine Shah and Maverick Sabre to get up and speak in favour and support of Kneecap and Mo Chara.

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The Boys Of The Better Land hitmakers shared the exciting news of their latest release to their official Instagram page today. Featuring a blue-themed montage of the band and Televised Mind blaring in the background, Fontaines D.C took the time to show their appreciation for their fans during the making of A Hero’s Death, declaring that “Writing this record last year meant everything to us, the support you’ve shown us since it’s announcement means just as much.” Receiving over 10,000 likes, the post was met with excitement from the band’s ever-growing fan base. 

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Our second album ‘A Hero’s Death’ is out today. Writing this record last year meant everything to us, the support you’ve shown us since it’s announcement means just as much. We want to give a special thank you to everyone at @partisanrecords & of course Dan Carey. Not to forget those who manage to still put up with us on a daily basis: Trevor Dietz, Emma Greengrass, Sara Stokes & Ian McAndrew. And thank you to Nick Launay and Adam Greenspan for helping us figure this record out. Go raibh maith agaibh. Grian, Deego, Curley, Tom, and Carlos. X Buy or stream our new album now, link in bio.

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A Hero’s Death begins with a gritty, gloomy guitar riff. From the opening bars, we know we are in for a treat. The dooming guitar and percussion loom steadily into I Don’t Belong, a track tinged with 1990’s punk. As the record progresses, the haunting song You Said contains intense lyrics like “You said/You been on the brink so slow down”, the Irish five-piece are not ones to shy away from the use of visceral lyricism. Instead, they revel in it.

This self-assured moxie within A Hero’s Death is one of the reasons that Fontaines D.C is taking the post-punk world by storm. When asked about the meaning behind the lyrics of I Don’t Belong, lead vocalist Grian Chatten meditated “I think I’m very susceptible to people-pleasing. I often end interactions feeling kind of dirty because I’ve forced myself into saying things I don’t believe, or into acting happy or energetic or whatever. That sickness kind of built up and this tune came out of that.”

A Hero’s Death certainly showcases the band’s broad sonic range. Within an eleven-track record, we are pulled between the emotive track No, to the aggressively charged A Televised Mind, to A Lucid Dream, the songs remaining profoundly different yet equally as enticing to the listener. Tracks Love Is The Main Thing and Oh Such A Spring convey a softer edge to the band, along with their aptitude as storytellers. When describing the powerful album title, guitarist Carlos O’Connell said “It has that Shakespearean drama about it”

With fans already eager to see Fontaines D.C perform their new album, the live iterations of A Hero’s Death won’t be until next year, unfortunately. Along with countless other artists who have responsibly adhered to health guidelines in recent months, Fontaines D.C pushed back their planned European and UK tour to 2021. A Hero’s Death tour will now commence March 2021.