Franz Ferdinand Condemns IDF’s Use of “Take Me Out” in Propaganda Video
The Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand has publicly criticized the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for using their 2003 hit song “Take Me Out” in a recent propaganda video. Frontman Alex Kapranos shared the video on his Instagram account, stating the IDF used the track “without our consent” and describing the actors in the video as “warmongering murderers.”
The IDF video, which promotes an operation dubbed “Operation Roaring Lion,” features dramatic footage of fighter jets and explosions. It includes scenes of an Israeli soldier celebrating what is presented as the country’s recent attacks on Iran. The post’s caption reads: “Operation Roaring Lion — this is how it’s done.”
Band’s Strong Rejection and Historical Context
Kapranos’s response was blunt and emotional. “These warmongering murderers are using our music without our consent,” he wrote. “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 …” His statement highlights the band’s long-standing practice of scrutinizing how their music is used, especially in political or military contexts.
This incident is not the band’s first foray into political commentary. Franz Ferdinand previously voiced opposition to Donald Trump through their 2016 song “Demagogue,” released as part of the “30 Days, 30 Songs” project organized by “Artists for a Trump-Free America.” Following Trump’s 2016 election victory, Kapranos expressed his dismay on social media, tweeting, “Have I actually woken up? Or am I typing this as part of the nightmare? Feels horrifyingly real.” This history lends weight to their current stance, demonstrating a consistent pattern of political engagement from a position of direct experience.
Alleged U.S.-Israel Operation and Geopolitical Claims
The IDF video references a joint military campaign against Iran. According to a post by former President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, this operation, which he named “Operation Epic Fury,” allegedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump later repeated a claim to ABC News, stating that the U.S. would need to approve Iran’s selection of a new supreme leader, asserting a successor “isn’t going to last long” without American approval.
Iran did confirm the death of Ayatollah Khamenei following reported missile attacks. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes against Israeli targets and U.S. military bases in several Arab nations, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. It is critical to note that the specific details and outcomes of this alleged “Operation Epic Fury” and the circumstances of Khamenei’s death are based on claims made by Trump and have not been independently verified through official Department of Defense channels or international consensus as of this reporting.
Franz Ferdinand’s latest album, The Human Fear, was released in 2024. The band is scheduled to tour the U.K. and Europe throughout March and April.
