Fontaines D.C.’s sold-out European tour show feels like a rare opportunity to witness a band on the verge of stadium success. With their trajectory soaring, it’s clear this kind of gig may soon be a thing of the past, making the night all the more special for those fortunate enough to be there. Accompanying them on their European tour was Wunderhorse, a band who in recent times, have proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. Led by the incredibly talented Jacob Slater, Wunderhorse’s raw energy and brooding sound immediately captured the crowd’s attention. While they may be selling out large venues back home in the UK, tonight in Copenhagen was a chance to introduce their blend of grunge and rock to a newer audience—and by the end of their set, the crowd was firmly on their side. Playing songs off both albums, the standout tracks were Teal & July which had the crowd watching in awe at Slater’s raw vocal range, transitioning from hushes to bellows in a hypnotic manner.
By the time 9pm came, intensity radiated through every corner of K.B. Hallen as Fontaines D.C. took the stage for an unforgettable night in Copenhagen. The lights went down and the opening lyrics of the title track “Into the darkness again…” echoed around the venue. The stage curtain illuminated in a green glow giving an atmospheric nod to the vivid hue of Romance‘s album aesthetic and dropped to unveil one of the most exciting bands on the planet. So used to just strutting on stage with not much animation on previous tours, this brand new striking setup lent a new intensity to the show opener, immersing the crowd in Fontaines D.C.’s gritty, yet expansive world right from the start. What followed was a seamless transition into fan favourite Jackie Down The Line which set the tone for the rest of the night. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that a European audience brought just as much energy and devotion as what we are used to back in the UK.
Frontman Grian Chatten stormed around the stage like a demon possessed. With his outstretched fingers reaching toward the crowd, he channelled the theatrical presence of David Bowie, drawing fans in with a gesture that felt both iconic and intimate, connecting through the music itself. The crowd reciprocated with wild energy—outstretched arms, intense mosh pits, and singalongs so loud they often drowned out the band.
The setlist was a well-crafted blend for fans of every era. Big brought that raw, early Dublin punk energy, immediately reminding fans of the band’s roots. Televised Mind with its signature flashing lights, familiarised the crowd of the hectic A Hero’s Death era. Then came the ever-so-cinematic Roman Holiday, but still, it was the tracks from their latest album, Romance, that truly stole the spotlight. Despite being relatively new to the live circuit, every track was a fan favourite. In particular, Here’s The Thing’s scratchy guitar tones cut through the mix in a striking manner, meanwhile Death Kink’s explosive nature presents Chatten at his most animated. It’s another chance to prove why the frontman is so well known for his emphatic, ranting delivery, as he spits the lyrics at the audience, the songwriting’s emotions fresh in his mind as if he wrote it yesterday. The moody and entrancing Bug also provides another chance for a singalong, which the crowd need no further invitation for.
Draped over Carlos O’Connells keyboard was the Palestine flag demonstrating a show of solidarity from the band who have been very vocal about it in the past. It’s empowering to see such a high-profile band take a strong, public stance on important issues, reflecting their commitment to more than just music. Fontaines D.C. aren’t just a band; they’re a voice with a purpose, using their platform to comment on real world issues.
A highlight of the night was one of their most politically charged songs, Boys in the Better Land, a track that examines identity in post-colonial Ireland. Originally performed in an Irish pub back in 2018, it still carries the same fiery energy, showcasing Fontaines D.C.’s rapid growth. Despite their more polished, stylized appearance, they remain true to their roots, embracing early tracks from their raw debut. It’s a powerful reminder of their commitment to the themes that initially defined them.
The encore kicked off with a heavenly rendition of In The Modern World which highlighted the importance of Conor ‘Deego’ Deegan to the band with some of the angelic harmonies you will hear. Its ethereal qualities washing over the crowd were a perfect contrast to the night’s earlier intensity. Following that moment of reflection, the band hit their stride with I Love You, a hauntingly emotional track that still to this day, is relevant to the dark cloud hanging over the island of Ireland. But it was Starburster, the brand-new fan favourite, that truly stole the show. Bursting with energy and excitement, it quickly became clear that this could be one of their finest songs yet, closing the night on an undeniable high.
As the final chords rang out and Fontaines D.C. offered a swift farewell, the crowd remained electric, fully aware they had just witnessed something extraordinary. The band reaffirmed their place at the forefront of music, effortlessly blending political message, raw passion, and powerful sound. Experiencing this in what can still be considered a small venue, only heightened its impact. For those fortunate enough to be there, this performance will undoubtedly stand out as a memorable highlight for years to come.
Words by Cian McGivern