Fontaines D.C. Take Over Later… With Jools Holland as Grian Chatten Addresses Accidental AI Use in "Marianne" Video and Plots Global Tour

The British television institution Later… With Jools Holland has devoted a special episode entirely to Fontaines D.C., capturing the acclaimed Irish post-punk outfit in a striking, atmospheric environment. The band staged the intimate yet powerful performance at the historic Alexandra Palace Theatre last week, delivering a rich selection of material drawn from their latest studio album, Dopamine Chamber. Viewers tuning into the broadcast were treated to stirring renditions of album tracks “Mimesis,” “Tongue,” and “You Miss Me,” alongside the band’s infectious 2024 radio hit “Favourite.” For fans based in the United Kingdom looking to experience the full spectacle, the complete 45-minute set is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering an unvarnished look at one of rock music’s most compelling live acts operating at the absolute peak of their creative powers.

The broadcast arrives as the band continues a heavy promotional cycle for Dopamine Chamber, a record that has already generated significant critical acclaim and cultural conversation. However, this album cycle has not been entirely without turbulence. Frontman Grian Chatten has recently addressed the unexpected fallout that occurred after artificial intelligence studios were inadvertently credited in the making of the music video for the album’s single, “Marianne.” According to Chatten, the band was completely unaware that any form of artificial intelligence had been utilized in the production until after the video had already been officially released to the public.

Elaborating on the misunderstanding in an interview with Julius Miller of The Los Angeles Times, Chatten clarified that the vast majority of the visual production relied on traditional filmmaking techniques and physical craftsmanship. All of the primary scenes, major visual effects, and distinctive physical alterations—such as the character prosthetics and specialized cheek modifications—were achieved through practical VFX and makeup artistry. Chatten emphasized the sheer scale of human labor involved in the project, noting that over 110 dedicated professionals worked tirelessly on the production, representing a massive, collaborative human effort.

Yet, somewhere along the complex pipeline of post-production, a member of the visual effects team apparently integrated some form of AI tool into their digital workflow without notifying the artists whose names were attached to the work. Chatten revealed that the inclusion came as a complete shock to everyone in the band, noting that neither their record label nor their management team had been informed of the workflow decision prior to publication.

To ensure that a similar miscommunication does not happen again, Chatten stated that the band is taking proactive measures by writing explicit anti-AI clauses directly into their future contracts. The controversy forced Chatten to address a topic he had already been pondering deeply. He noted that while he had intended to share his philosophical stance on artificial intelligence during planned interview circuits for the album rollout, the sudden video controversy inadvertently forced the issue prematurely, effectively pulling the rug out from under the conversation before it could begin on their own terms.

Expressing a profound and deeply felt apprehension regarding the rapid proliferation of generative technology, Chatten didn’t mince words when describing his view on the broader implications of artificial intelligence. He pointed to iconic cultural touchstones to illustrate what he believes is fundamentally at stake for humanity. Recalling a classic scene from the film Dead Poets Society where Robin Williams passionately lectures students about the vital importance of poetry and literature, Chatten described these creative expressions as the very essence of what keeps human beings alive, warning that artificial intelligence threatens to rob the human race of those essential, soul-affirming experiences.

Chatten also referenced recent high-profile departures within the tech industry, noting that he has closely followed reports of whistleblowers leaving major AI development firms out of existential concern for the future of humanity. Viewing the widespread adoption of automated creation not merely as a technological shift but as a spiritual crisis, Chatten concluded that artificial intelligence is literally rendering the human soul obsolete, a development he regards as a form of true existential death.

Even as they navigate the complexities of modern technological debates and the ongoing promotion of Dopamine Chamber, Fontaines D.C. are looking firmly toward the future on the live stage. Next year, the band is set to embark on a massive headlining tour that will take them across North America, Europe, Australia, and select dates in Japan, further cementing their status as a global touring powerhouse.