Fontaines D.C. complete duo of blindingly brilliant shows at London's Alexandra Palace

24 November 2024, 14:59 | Updated: 3 December 2024, 17:26

The Irish rockers brought their Romance tour to London with two incredible nights at Ally Pally. Here's what went down.

Fontaines D.C. have been a name on everyone's lips for quite some time.

After spawning a critically acclaimed, Mercury-nominated debut album Dogrel in 2019, their star has continued to rise as they've proved their chops both in and out of the studio.

Five years on and Ally Pally seems too small for the post-punk outfit, who have four albums, a much-talked about Glastonbury set and countless celeb endorsements under their belt.

After an unforgettable sold-out Friday night at the historic venue, the Dublin outfit prepared to take to the stage again on Saturday(23rd November) to another packed-out crowd.

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After supporting sets from Sorry and DIIV, the Irish rockers took to the stage, bathed in green and kicked things off with the atmospheric title track and album-opener from their Romance album.

Next up came Skinty Fia favourite Jackie Down The Line, which Grian Chatten delivered in huge 90s-inspired bug-eyed sunglasses and a black leather jacket, which soon gave way to an oversized bright yellow adidas jersey and kilt combo.

With a huge heart balloon sat above the stage throughout, there was no doubt the night was a set to be a celebration of their most recent work.

But amid the Romance-heavy set, the band took us through their story so far, as they played the likes of Dogrel opener Big, A Hero's Death favourite Televised Mind and wound back the clock to their undeniable banger and live favourite Boys In The Better Land.

Chatten was every bit the masterful frontman, with bandmates Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III, Tom Coll and Carlos O'Connell proving to be equally crucial in bringing their back-catalogue to life.

By the time they played their infectious single and former Radio X Record Of The Week, Favourite, the crowd were begging Fontaines to return for more.

Fontaines D.C. perform Favourite at Alexandra Palace

When they did return for an encore, they treated fans to four tracks, including a stunning rendition of In The Modern World, the second live outing of fellow Romance track, Desire, and I Love You from their much-loved Skinty Fia LP.

Yes, Starbuster may have suffered a false start and a few mis-sung lyrics, but it all added to the band's rawness and authenticity, which makes up so much of their appeal.

As Fontaines left the stage, which was lit up like the Irish flag, it was clear we'd witnessed something very special; a band at the top of their game, who are worthy of being dubbed the best band of the last decade.

When a band become stratospherically successful, there's often gigs that people were glad they went to or wished they were at. These two nights at Ally Pally were just that. Utterly important and unmissable.

Fontaines D.C. continue their 2024 dates Cardiff's Utilita Arena this Sunday (24th November) before heading out to Plymouth, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow and capping off their dates with two homecoming shows on 6th and 7th December at Dublin 3Arena.

Read more:

• Alex Turner lent his guitar to Fontaines D.C. for their Romance album
• Elton John says Fontaines D.C. are "the best band out there at the moment"

Fontaines D.C.'s setlist at Alexandra Palace on 23rd November:

1. Romance
2. Jackie Down the Line
3. Televised Mind
4. A Lucid Dream
5. Roman Holiday
6. Big Shot
7. Death Kink (Extended intro)
8. Sundowner
9. Big
10. A Hero's Death
11. Here's the Thing
12. Bug
13. Horseness Is the Whatness
14. Nabokov
15. Too Real
16. Boys in the Better Land
17. Favourite

Encore:

18. In the Modern World
19. Desire
20. I Love You
21. Starburster

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See Fontaines' remaining 2024 UK. & Ireland dates:

• 24th November 2024: Cardiff – Utilita Arena
• 26th November 2024: Plymouth – Pavilions
• 27th November 2024: Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena
• 29th November 2024: Manchester – Aviva Studios
• 30th November 2024: Manchester – Aviva Studios
• 1st December 2024: Manchester – Aviva Studios
• 3rd December 2024: Leeds – First Direct Arena
• 4th December 2024: Glasgow – OVO Hydro
• 6th December 2024: Dublin – 3Arena
• 7th December 2024: Dublin – 3Arena