Fontaines DC won more than $2,000 (£1,565) from a viral music quiz on TikTok – and donated the sum to a Palestine aid charity.
The Dublin band recently took part in Track Star – a Public opinion series in which players must listen to a song and correctly guess the artist on the streets of New York. As the quiz progresses, guests receive an increasing amount of money.
Frontman Grian Chatten and guitarist Carlos O’Connell managed to identify a variety of tracks from the likes of The Strokes, Thin Lizzy, The Libertines and The Ramones – winning a total of $2,560 (£2,003).
“We could take it and have an amazing night,” O’Connell said, before Chatten suggested, “I think we should give it to charity, man.” » The host replied, “If you give it to charity, I’ll give you about $100 and you can buy some beers.” »
Chatten then confirmed that they would donate the cash prize to Doctors Without Borders “for Palestine” in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The association provides “medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemic, disaster or exclusion from health care”.
The video ended with a screenshot of a letter from the organization, which read: “Dear Track Star, Thank you for your generous one-time donation to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
“Your support allows us to provide emergency medical care to people in more than 70 countries around the world. »
@trackstarshow @Fontaines DC are we cousins?
♬ original sound – Track Star
He adds: “At the heart of our work is a commitment to independence and impartiality. That means the support of people like you, Track Star, is what keeps us ready to respond to the world’s most pressing emergencies where others can’t or won’t go.
You can watch Fontaines DC compete on Track Star above.
Last December, it was announced that the band had teamed up with Massive Attack and Young Fathers for a limited edition 12″ charity single in support of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
In a joint statement at the time, the artists called for an immediate ceasefire “in solidarity with the Palestinian people living under a brutal military operation.”
Fontaines DC added: “Since October, Doctors Without Borders has been on the ground in Gaza, where every human being is a target of the IDF, risking their lives to provide life-saving care to the thousands injured by Israel’s indiscriminate attacks against the hungry and helpless.
“We feel completely helpless as to what we can do at this point, but we hope that our small contribution to this record can raise the funds that Doctors Without Borders in Gaza desperately needs. Ceasefire now. Free Palestine. »
Meanwhile, Fontaines DC are set to release their fourth album ‘Romance’ on August 23 (pre-order/pre-save here). They already previewed the project with lead single “Starburster,” and debuted new tracks at an intimate concert in New York.
The band has announced a North American tour for this fall, having already confirmed shows in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
As well as their own ‘Romance’ dates, Fontaines DC are set to make appearances at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Pukkelpop and Sziget, among other festivals throughout the season. Find all remaining tickets here (UK & Ireland).
