Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack have joined forces with Brian Eno, Fontaines D.C., Kneecap, and other artists to create a new alliance aimed at supporting musicians speaking out about Gaza – particularly those facing legal or industry intimidation.
Massive Attack told The Guardian that the new initiative was sparked by the increasing fear artists are facing when expressing pro-Palestine views. “This is about solidarity with artists being crushed under legal threats—while witnessing genocide unfold in real-time on their screens,” the band said.
As the global music scene continues to wrestle with how and when to speak on political issues, Massive Attack and their allies have made their position loud and clear: art is not apolitical, and silence is not an option. The group called out organisations such as the UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) for their “aggressive campaigns”. The UKLFI are the group who were responsible for reporting punk duo, Bob Vylan, to the police after their Glastonbury performance this year. Massive Attack have already received massive support on their recent Instagram post:
Massive Attack and the other artists involved have demanded a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted access for aid organisations and for all UK arms licences with Israel to be cancelled.
This alliance marks a significant moment in the music industry—publicly uniting prominent and emerging artists to challenge legal and institutional attempts to silence political expression, specifically around Gaza.
In a joint statement posted across social media, the artists say they’ve “watched in horror” as Gaza has become “a slaughterhouse”—and they’re done staying silent. What’s more, they’re calling out what they describe as a rising wave of intimidation within the music industry.
“We write as artists who’ve been threatened into silence or career cancellation,” the statement reads. “We won’t stand by as voices are silenced under the weight of legal threats, cancelled bookings, or police investigations.”
Massive Attack are one of many artists who are speaking out against atrocities in Gaza, risking career opportunities, read more about those speaking out, here.
Tickets to future Massive Attack shows are available for purchase here.
