Politics in music is nothing new; but in today’s politically charged climate expressing your political views from the stage.
Members of the British rock band Massive Attack have discovered this the hard way…
During a July 29 concert in Singapore, members of the band unfurled a Palestinian flag with one band member yelling out “Free Palestine”.
As a result of their actions, two of the band members – Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall – have been banned from ever entering the country again. Nor would they approve any future performances by the band.
A warning issued to the band stated, “the police take a serious view of acts which could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore and urge the public, including foreigners, to refrain from importing foreign politics as this can undermine our social cohesion and the rule of law.”
In a social media post the Massive Attack said they were “surprised and disappointed”.
The band noted that prior to and after the show, there were groups of fans chanting “Free Palestine” and didn’t think that holding up the flag would violate any laws.
Speaking with the British music magazine “NME”, Massive Attack stated the entire band was detained and were “isolated and questioned separately”. Some band members even had their hotel rooms searched and passports confiscated.
Supporting Palestine is nothing new for Massive Attack who have supported Palestinians for years and have refused to perform in Isarael since 1999.