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.”
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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.
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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?”
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