Fall Out Boy left many of their fans in Cardiff confused and uncomfortable when they played footage of Princess Diana during their performance on Wednesday night.
The footage was played during the song “Champion,” which contains lyrics like “I’m a champion of the people who don’t believe in champions.” Perhaps that’s why the band made the connection to the late Princess of Wales, who was famously described by then-British PM Tony Blair as “The People’s Princess.”
But that didn’t make the montage any less uncomfortable for some attendees, as it transitioned from footage of her life to the infamous 1997 car crash in Paris that took her life and the funeral attended by millions around the world. The montage even included Queen Elizabeth II’s eulogy broadcast on TV from Buckingham Palace.
“It’s safe to say revelers were confused by this,” one attendee told The Sun. “When it became clear what was happening some went quiet and started shuffling, looking down at their feet, wishing the next song would come on. It was totally bizarre, more than a little creepy.”
A few fans on social media thought the footage, which was also used during the band’s U.S. tour — was “striking” and added to the concert experience, but most echoed the feelings that it was an awkward display.
Also can we just appreciate how striking @falloutboy set design was ??’? especially the usage of coverage of Princess Diana’s life and funeral and @umathurman clips @petewentz @PatrickStump @hurleyxvx #falloutboy #MANIATOUR pic.twitter.com/nl7rE8pUSM
— Poppy Evans (@PoppyEvans) March 29, 2018
Genuinely still confused about fall out boy using images of princess Diana and prince harry last night?? Why??? pic.twitter.com/DvRZFRB5Z4
— Emma ❃ (@emmalberger) March 28, 2018
@falloutboy we’re amazing yesterday, but why the random tribute to Princess Diana??? Did the American tour get JFK???
— Hermione Rose ??’?✨ (@hermione_rose98) March 28, 2018
Just seen @falloutboy in Birmingham. Don’t really see the need for the Princess Diana montage, brought the night down a bit
— Nik Thompson (@mimmblewimmble) March 27, 2018
Fall Out Boy apparently observed nothing wrong with their Wednesday night show, tweeting a self-congratulatory photo completion:
Cardiff ? pic.twitter.com/E7todffVoS
— Fall Out Boy (@falloutboy) March 29, 2018
The band’s UK tour continues tonight with a show in Manchester, followed by a show on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London.