Fontaines D.C. member jokes band needs to ‘turn 40’ to win a Grammy
Fontaines D.C., the Irish rock band, recently found themselves at the centre of a light-hearted jest about needing to ‘turn 40′ in order to secure a Grammy win. The band’s album “Romance” was nominated for best rock album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, ultimately losing out to The Rolling Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds”. Following this defeat, Fontaines D.C. musicians Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley shared their playful musings during an interview with La Bestia Radio. They expressed their fondness for “Romance”, citing it as their favourite album created by the band since its formation in 2014. However, during the interview, O’Connell and Curley couldn’t help but acknowledge their loss to the legendary Rolling Stones at the Grammys. O’Connell humorously suggested, “I think we need to turn 40 to win the Grammy.”
The banter continued as Curley chimed in, reflecting on the nature of Grammy awards by saying, “I think the Grammys do, you know, they give the award for the catalog and not maybe the specific record.” This light-hearted exchange showcased the band’s good-natured approach to their Grammy defeat, highlighting their respect for musical icons like The Rolling Stones. The Irish rockers’ album “Romance” faced stiff competition in the best rock album category at the 2025 Grammys. Nominees alongside Fontaines D.C. and The Rolling Stones included prominent acts such as the Black Crowes, Green Day, Idles, Pearl Jam, and Jack White.
Apart from their best rock album nomination, “Romance” also earned recognition in the best alternative music performance category for the track “Starburster”. The album’s commercial success was evident as it peaked at No. 97 on the Billboard 200 chart and claimed a spot in the top 20 on the publication’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. In their home country of Ireland, “Romance” reached No. 2, further solidifying Fontaines D.C.’s musical impact on a global scale.
This wasn’t the first time Fontaines D.C. found themselves Grammy-nominated, as they previously received a nod for their 2021 album “A Hero’s Death”. At the 2025 Grammys, the award for best rock album was accepted on behalf of The Rolling Stones by producer Andrew Watt. He conveyed Mick Jagger’s gratitude to the academy, emphasising the significance of the win for the band. Watt acknowledged the transformative power of music in his acceptance, stating, “For a little boy that grew up playing guitar, it was one of the most amazing experiences to be around those musicians.”
The band’s Grammy journey may have seen them fall short of victory once again, but Fontaines D.C. continues to captivate audiences with their raw energy and authentic sound. Their good-natured response to Grammy defeat showcases their humility and reverence for the music industry’s legends, ensuring that their journey to recognition remains a compelling narrative in the world of rock music. As they navigate the highs and lows of the industry, Fontaines D.C. stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic expression and creative resilience.