Massive Attack 'surprised and disappointed' after Singapore ban over Palestine flag
British band Massive Attack have said they are "surprised and disappointed" after two of their members were barred from performing in Singapore for displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert. The band criticised Singapore's response, saying their members were detained by police, questioned separately and, in some cases, had hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated after the…
Massive Attack, the renowned British band, expressed their surprise and disappointment following a recent ban in Singapore over a Palestinian flag displayed during one of their concerts. Two band members were reportedly detained by police, subjected to separate questioning, and had their hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated.
The band was utterly taken aback by Singapore's response, asserting that merely displaying the flag of a recognized sovereign state (Palestine) would not infringe any law. In an Instagram post, Massive Attack conveyed their gratitude for fans' warm reception, ending the statement with the message: "Free Palestine." Singaporean authorities cited potential harm to racial and religious harmony as the reason for the ban, urging the public to refrain from importing foreign politics as it could undermine social cohesion and the rule of law.
The decision came after an investigation following the concert, where the band unfurled a Palestinian flag on stage at the conclusion of their set, along with visuals highlighting conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Iran war. Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs had previously cautioned against publicly displaying items linked to the Gaza war in 2023, emphasizing the importance of peace and harmony among different races and religions.
Massive Attack, known for their vocal support of the Palestinian cause, has consistently advocated for a Gaza ceasefire, backed critical campaigns against Israel's military actions, and used their concerts to highlight various humanitarian crises and global conflicts. In 2025, the band played a pivotal role in establishing an alliance for musicians and artists who publicly voiced their opinions on Israel's actions in Gaza, highlighting the challenges these artists face within the music industry.
Frontman Robert Del Naja was among over 200 people arrested during a demonstration in London's Trafalgar Square in April, supporting Palestine Action, a group that was subsequently proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK in 2025.
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