Irish post-punk sensation Fontaines D.C. are making a much-anticipated return to Greece this summer — this time as headliners. On Friday, June 27, they will take the main stage at Release Athens Festival, held at the popular seaside venue Plateia Nerou in Athens, marking a major milestone since their debut Greek performance in 2022.
From Supporting Act to Center Stage
Back in June 2022, Fontaines D.C. made their first appearance in Greece as an opening act for the legendary Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, with Mogwai as co-headliners. Despite performing under the early evening sun, the Dublin-based band left a strong impression with their raw energy, poetic intensity, and commanding stage presence — a performance that clearly hinted at their fast-rising trajectory.
What was once a support slot has now evolved into a headlining role, cementing Fontaines D.C.’s status as one of the most compelling rock acts of their generation.
A Band Born From Poetry and Punk
Formed in 2017 by five college students from Dublin’s BIMM Institute (British and Irish Modern Music Institute), Fontaines D.C. was born from a shared love of poetry and post-punk icons like Joy Division, The Fall, and Wire. The lineup features Grian Chatten on vocals, Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley on guitars, Conor Deegan III on bass, and Tom Coll on drums.
Their debut album, “Dogrel” (2019), was met with widespread acclaim and earned a Mercury Prize nomination. They followed it with “A Hero’s Death” (2020) and “Skinty Fia” (2022), both of which reinforced their place in the modern alternative rock canon.
“Romance” and Global Recognition
In August 2024, the band released their fourth album, “Romance”, which drew praise for its bold sonic evolution — blending grunge textures, dystopian electronica, and ambient shoegaze, while still retaining the lyrical urgency that defines their work.
The album earned two Grammy nominations:
- Best Rock Album (ultimately awarded to The Rolling Stones)
- Best Alternative Music Performance for the single “Starburster” (won by St. Vincent)
“Starburster” also broke into pop culture more broadly, featuring as the opening theme in Guy Ritchie’s new series, Mobland.
Reflecting on the Grammy nods in a Rolling Stone interview, frontman Grian Chatten commented:
“We’re caught up in a buzz of excitement to have this experience — not because we’ll be walking red carpets, but because we’ll have a story to tell on our deathbeds. I think we’ll handle it with healthy perspective and respect.”
