Franz Ferdinand slams IDF for using Take Me Out in airstrike propaganda video
A propaganda video released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has sparked controversy after featuring Franz Ferdinand's song Take Me Out without permission. The band condemned the use of their music in footage showcasing airstrikes on Iran, which took place on February 28, 2026. The strikes, carried out jointly with the US, killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and targeted hundreds of military sites.
The airstrikes, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion, marked a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. Israel and the US coordinated the attacks, which have since triggered retaliatory threats and fears of a broader conflict.
Franz Ferdinand's frontman, Alex Kapranos, publicly criticised the IDF for using their 2004 hit in the video. The band described the unauthorised inclusion as deeply offensive, given the song's anti-war themes. No official response from the Israeli government has been reported. In response to the band's statement, David Draiman of Disturbed extended an invitation to Kapranos for a discussion. Draiman, a vocal supporter of Israel, has previously engaged with other artists over differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He faced backlash in the past for singing Israel's national anthem at a concert and criticising musicians who opposed Israeli military actions. Draiman has a history of reaching out to artists with opposing perspectives, including Green Day and Jack White. Meanwhile, Franz Ferdinand continues their UK and European tour in support of their latest album, *The Human Fear*, with shows scheduled across Britain this week.
The unauthorised use of Take Me Out has added another layer to the fallout from the February airstrikes. Retaliatory threats now raise concerns about further escalation in the region. The band's condemnation highlights the ongoing debate over music being co-opted for military propaganda.
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