Massive Attack Announces Coalition of Artists to Protest Gaza

The Collective Resounds: Artists Stand Against the Conflict

Key Points

• Movement Launch: A group of musicians have formed a new initiative to address the Israel-Palestine dispute.
• Freedom of Voice: Artists have publicly declared their opposition to the ongoing oppression and the role of certain governments.
• Facing Censorship: Many members recount attempts to silence their messages through social and media suppression.
• Call for Accountability: The band emphasizes the responsibility of the UK Government for its perceived participation.

Statement from the Band

“We write as artists who’ve chosen to use our public platforms to speak out against the genocide occurring there & the role of the UK Government in facilitating it,” they affirm.

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Massive Attack Leads New Musician Alliance Against Gaza Censorship

The acclaimed British trip‑hop group Massive Attack has launched a solidarity movement for artists voicing opposition to the Israel‑Palestine conflict. Their announcement, posted on social media during the night, details a coalition formed to support musicians who face suppression for speaking out.

Statement Highlights

• Artists reveal the “graphic reality” of Gaza, expressing their intention to use public platforms to condemn the genocide.
• They condemn intimidation from within the music industry—both live performances and studio recordings—as well as legal pressure from organizations such as UK Lawyers For Israel.
• Massive Attack references a recent documentary by the political campaign group Led By Donkeys, which exposed the actions of UKLFI against artists like Bob Vylan and Kneecap.

In an extended declaration, the group asserts: “We will not remain silent. Artists whose careers risk being cut short by censorship should reach out to us. We stand with those ready to speak about Palestine but who fear industry or legal retaliation.”

Collective Demands

• Unrestricted access for international aid agencies in Gaza, free from military interference.
• Immediate cessation of attacks on medical and aid workers.
• Halting UK arms sales and export licenses to Israel.
• An immediate and permanent ceasefire.
• A call for a free Palestine.

Commentary from the Guardian states that the alliance is “about offering solidarity to artists facing daily exposure to a screen‑time genocide, while grappling with industry censorship and targeted legal actions that threaten their careers.”

Artists Supporting the Movement

• Kneecap – Posted a message urging end to threats and censorship, labeling themselves as part of the majority.
• Fontaines D.C.
• Brian Eno
• Other high‑profile figures who have signed letters urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to cease UK complicity, including ex‑footballer Gary Lineker and actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

Massive Attack previously teamed with Fontaines D.C. and Young Fathers on a benefit track in 2023, donating all proceeds to Médecins Sans Frontières for aid in Gaza and the West Bank.

Key Actions in Context

• April 2024: Massive Attack supported Kneecap amid a counter‑terrorism police investigation.
• Band’s letter to the UK government demanded an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel and a ceasefire for Gaza’s children.

This collective effort seeks to protect artists from intimidation while amplifying voices that condemn the ongoing conflict in Gaza.