Massive Attack call Singapore ban a 'surreal experience' after raising Palestine flag in concert

Massive Attack argued that they had not expected the display of the flag to be treated as unlawful

Massive Attack have described their ban from Singapore as a "surreal experience", revealing that police detained, questioned and temporarily confiscated their passports after the band displayed a Palestinian flag during a concert last week.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the British trip-hop group said two members were separated by police following their 29 July performance at The Star Theatre, where a Palestinian flag was unfurled on stage and chants of "Free Palestine" rang out from the audience. The band said officers searched their hotel rooms and held their passports before later returning them.

Singaporean authorities subsequently barred the two musicians from re-entering the country and announced that future applications for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore would not be approved. Officials said the display breached laws prohibiting the unauthorised public display of foreign national emblems and warned that such acts could threaten the country's racial and religious harmony.

 

 

 

 

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Responding to the decision, Massive Attack said they were "surprised and disappointed" by the authorities' actions, arguing that they had not expected the display of the flag of a state recognised by most UN member countries to be treated as unlawful. The group said it was proud to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and defended freedom of expression, urging Singapore to ratify the UN's International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Massive Attack have long been outspoken supporters of the Palestinian cause and have frequently used their concerts to highlight humanitarian crises around the world. The Singapore incident is the latest example of the band's activism drawing official scrutiny, as debates over artistic expression and political protest continue to play out on international stages.