Massive Attack announce alliance of artists in support of Gaza, including Fontaines DC, Kneecap and Brian EnoMassive Attack, Kneecap, Fontaines DC, and Brian Eno have officially formed a syndicate for artists who speak out about “aggressive, vexatious campaigns by pro-Israel advocates” against the people of Gaza.
The news was shared via social media, in a statement that began “the scenes in Gaza have moved beyond description,” before clearly expressing that the UK government has clearly “facilitated” the “genocide”.
The group aims to protect other artists, especially those at the beginning of their careers, from threats experienced as a by-product of speaking out in a similar way. The group revealed that they have been “subject to various infringements from within our industry (live and recorded) and legally via organised bodies such as UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).”
UKLFI reported Bob Vylan for their Glastonbury set, during which they chanted “death to the IDF.” A criminal investigation is currently underway. UKLFI also reported the BBC for broadcasting the set. As a. result, the broadcaster’s Head of Music and a team of senior BBC workers have stepped down while an internal investigation goes ahead.
UKLFI are also at the centre of the Kneecap controversy after Mo Chara was charged with a terrorism offence after he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag at a show in 2024 while shouting, “Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah.” Hezbollah are a banned organisation in the UK.
Reflecting on these tactics, the post states, “Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won’t stand by and allow other artists – particularly those at earlier stages of their careers or in other positions of professional vulnerability – to be threatened into silence or career cancellation.”
It then encourages other artists “who’ve been placed in this position, or those who now wish to use their platforms to talk about Palestine but are concerned about industrial or legal repercussions” to contact them to make a collective stand.
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