Get ready for a musical showdown! The iconic band Franz Ferdinand is taking a stand after discovering their smash 2003 hit "Take Me Out" was used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in a propaganda video, and they're not happy about it!
The video in question isn't your average tune-filled montage—it's packed with intense footage of fighter jets and explosions, starring an Israeli soldier flaunting the country’s recent actions against Iran. The clip is boldly titled: "Operation Roaring Lion – this is how it’s done." However, frontman Alex Kapranos isn't having any of it. He took to Instagram to share his outrage, calling out the IDF for using their music without permission.
"These warmongering murderers are using our music without our consent," Kapranos wrote, venting his frustrations. "This makes us both nauseous and furious. Kind of typical though, isn’t it? To strut up and take what isn’t theirs with a vile arrogance…"
Meanwhile, the world stage is heating up with high-profile military actions. On February 28, Israel teamed up with the U.S. for a joint attack on Iran, named Operation Epic Fury by none other than Donald Trump himself. The news took a dramatic turn when Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported killed in the attack, a claim later confirmed by Iran.
As tensions soared, Iran hit back with missile strikes on Israeli targets and U.S. bases across the Middle East. And in a headline-grabbing twist, Trump declared he’d oversee the selection of Iran's next leader, telling ABC News, "He’s going to have to get approval from us."
Franz Ferdinand isn't new to speaking their minds on global affairs. They’ve previously taken jabs at Trump, such as in their 2016 anti-Trump anthem “Demagogue,” part of the 30 Days, 30 Songs campaign. Kapranos's Twitter reflection after Trump's election resonated with many: "Have I actually woken up? Or am I typing this as part of the nightmare? Feels horrifyingly real."
As fans digest these fiery developments, Franz Ferdinand is keeping the music alive. Their latest album, The Human Fear, dropped last year, and they're set to rock stages across the U.K. and Europe this March and April. Stay tuned for more!