AN Irish musician said “free Palestine” and “f**k Zionism” as he collected an industry award.
Carlos O’Connell, the guitarist in Irish rock band Fontaines DC, took home the Rolling Stone best album award at a ceremony in London on Thursday night.
Speaking at the podium, the guitarist said: “Thank you, thank you very much. Thanks from all of us, the other boys are somewhere else. What a night. I dunno, I just think there’s only a couple of words to say here.”
To cheers from the audience, O’Connell added: “It’s kinda weird, it’s the first time it’s been said all night but I’m just gonna say: free Palestine. Free Palestine, free Palestine. F**k Netanyahu and f**k Zionism. Free Palestine.”
The Dublin-based band beat competition from the likes of Charli XCX, Nia Archives and Ghetts to claim the prize for their 2024 album Romance.
Talking about the band’s outspoken support for the Palestinian cause earlier this year, singer Grian Chatten told the NME: “It really is the responsibility of the masses, of artists, and anyone with a voice – which is most people nowadays – to do something, say something. Which side are you on?”
