Massive Attack make Gaza statement using headline stage at Longitude Festival
The long-time supporters of Palestinian freedom used graphics and lighting to highlight their solidarity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Award-winning band and veteran political activists Massive Attack used their headline slot at Longitude Festival this weekend to highlight their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The musicians played at Marlay Park, Dublin, on Sunday, kicking off their set with ‘Battlebox’ before using their backdrop to send out messages to the packed audience.
As the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continues to bombard Gaza with air strikes while Hamas fires rockets into Israel, Massive Attack used its position to show its long-time support of Palestinian freedom.
A lit-up message behind the performers said: “Gaza has been ocupied [sic] or under restrictions since 1948.”
The group also displayed the number of lives lost in Gaza, the Irish Mirror reports, during a performance of ‘Unfinished Sympathy,’ which was met with huge applause from the crowd.
At least 600 Palestinians – most of whom were civilians – and 29 Israelis have died in the two-week conflict raging between Gaza and Israel.
He spoke of his backing the cultural boycott of Israel as it “applies the continual pressure that’s needed.”
“The boycott is not an action of aggression towards the Israeli people,” Mr Del Naja said.
“It's towards the government and its policies. Everyone needs to be reminded of this because it's very easy to be accused of being anti-Semitic, and that's not what this is about.”
The band also says on its official Facebook page – which has 2.8million fans – that its social media page “has a forum of debate on the issue of the Freedom For Palestine.
“We don't intend to delete or moderate but rather encourage debate in an open democratic way. After all this is what the medium is for...”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments