The legendary trip-hop collective Massive Attack have reported that their entire band was detained and several members had their passports confiscated by authorities in Singapore. The incident occurred following a performance at the Star Theatre on July 29, during which the group displayed a Palestinian flag on stage.
The band, known for their long-standing political activism, engaged with the audience as they held the flag aloft, joining in on chants of “Free Palestine.” Following the show, the situation escalated significantly. According to the group, the entire band was detained by police, isolated, and subjected to individual questioning. Some members also faced hotel room searches and the temporary seizure of their travel documents.
Official Repercussions and Band Response
In the aftermath of the performance, two unnamed members of the group were issued “stern warnings” and have been officially banned from re-entering Singapore. Furthermore, local authorities have indicated that they will not approve any future applications for the group to perform within the country.
In a statement shared via their official Instagram account, the band expressed their surprise and disappointment regarding the treatment they received. “Before we set foot on the stage and again at the end of the show, large sections of the auditorium organically led chants of ‘Free Palestine,’ presumably aware but undeterred that this spontaneous expression alone could violate their government’s censorship laws,” the statement read.
The group maintained that they did not anticipate that displaying the flag of a state recognized by 157 countries would result in legal action. “On reflection, we are proud to have made this impromptu expression with our fans in Singapore who clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine in their ongoing reality of illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide,” the band added.
A History of Political Advocacy
This incident is the latest in a series of political actions taken by the group. Massive Attack have consistently used their platform to advocate for human rights, having boycotted performances in Israel since 1999. Earlier this year, Robert Del Naja was among hundreds arrested during a London demonstration protesting the UK government’s ban on the activist group Palestine Action.
The band concluded their statement by expressing gratitude to their Singaporean fans while calling on the government to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They remain steadfast in their position, reiterating their support for the Palestinian cause despite the personal risks and professional consequences encountered during their tour.