Where Poetry Meets Protest and Punk Becomes Purpose.
On August 15th, post-punk sensation Fontaines D.C took the headline slot at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park, which we had the immense pleasure to be in attendance for. Backed by a powerhouse lineup consisting of The Murder Capital, English Teacher and KNEECAP, the evening unfolded like a fever dream of sound, solidarity, and shared resistance.
From the moment we stepped into the park, it was clear: this was not going to be your average gig. The air buzzed with anticipation, and the crowd felt more like a movement than an audience. We did unfortunately miss The Murder Capital, who we were looking forward to, but we got into the crowd just in time for KNEECAP – a band that has been polarising to say the least. The Irish trio, known for their unapologetic politics and genre-defying sound, lit up the stage with a performance that was equal parts chaos and charisma. Love them or hate them, they command attention and primed the crowd perfectly for what was yet to come. Cherry Rock Magazine would like to take this moment to say, that KNEECAP has our full support and we thank them for everything they do.
As Fontaines D.C. take the stage, under a beautiful sunset no less, opening with their beautiful recently released rendition of “Starburster / In Heaven”, the set began on a magical, and almost cinematic, note. There is little left to say about their live performance, that has not been said before. The guys are on their A-Game every single time we have seen them so far and never fail to put on a brilliant show. The sound was immersive, the visuals stark, and the atmosphere always charged.
And while the crowd was just a little more reserved at KUNST!RASEN in Bonn on the 19th, the band gave everything as if it were their last show. That’s the magic of Fontaines D.C. They treat every stage like a sacred space, every audience like their biggest yet. The emotional intensity of their performance never wavers.
Fontaines D.C. don’t just play music on stage; they really channel it. From slow-burning songs like “Desire” to the big explosive “Starburster”, the band created a sonic journey through their setlist that never lost its grip on the audience. There isn’t a single moment to look away - It's an inescapable experience they compose once they walk on stage. Lyrics and haunting instrumentals lingered in the warm summer air. Overall, the band is sincere and speak to young people with lyrics like “it’s amazing to be young”, in a manner that obviously resonates with their audience and creates a sense of hope through the music.
But what truly set these gigs apart wasn’t just the music, it was the sense of community that really captivated us. “Free Palestine” chants echoed across the parks, flags waved high, and strangers became allies in a shared belief that art is inherently political. Fontaines D.C don’t shy away from this either, they lean into it. Their platform gives their songs a rallying cry. It was both beautiful and brave.
Carlos O’Connell’s quiet gestures, a Palestinian flag draped over his keyboard, solemn nods between songs, spoke volumes. Grian Chatten’s presence was magnetic, his voice a vessel for every unspoken truth. And the band’s refusal to dilute their message for mass appeal? That’s punk. That’s poetry. That’s Fontaines D.C.
With that, stick your heart to everything you say and as always – Free Palestine.
M. Müller, 2025