Grammy-nominated Irish band Fontaines D.C. releases live rendition of ‘I Was Not Born’, win fans over

With millions of fans not having experienced live music in over a year and looking to reconnect with one another through their shared passion for it, Jim Beam Welcome Sessions is bringing iconic artists back to the independent venues that gave them their first stage to film one-of-a-kind performances.

And joining him in this pursuit is Grammy-nominated Irish band Fontaines D.C.

They announced the release of a new take on ‘I Was Not Born’, marking the second of four unique releases planned by Jim Beam Welcome Sessions across 2021, available exclusively on Jim Beam's official YouTube channel.

Filmed at the iconic The Lexington in Islington, North London, Fontaines D.C.'s return pays homage to their roots and their shared career.

Prior to critical acclaim and breaking into the mainstream consciousness, The Lexington represented a landmark venue for the band playing some of their first gigs outside of their native Ireland in the early years following their formation in 2017.

Taken from their second album, 'A Hero's Death', was nominated at the Grammy Awards 2021 for 'Best Rock Album'.

The unique re-recording of 'I Was Not Born' brings to life the intimacy and romance of the on-stage experience.

Both through sound and the style in which it is filmed, the film offers a unique take on the importance of finding a genuine connection with fans live.

Fontaines D.C.'s Carlos O'Connell said in a statement, “We have been incredibly lucky that there's always been 'a buzz' and energy around our live gigs. The experience of being a live performer is a heightened one in which emotions are amplified and having that sense that you are welcome within a space among an audience who share your love for the music you are making is a vitally important thing. In its very essence, a live performance is a conversation between the band, their instruments, and the crowd in front of them. You can't manufacture that buzz. It can never be as fulfilling as creating communion with an audience that is both feeding off and providing you with the energy you need in the moment.”