Massive Attack are back. Making a rare live appearance at the British Summer Time festival in the grounds of Hyde Park London, their eagerly anticipated 2016 set went down a storm amongst the crowd in the capital.
Despite the intermittent rain pour, the fans were treated to an uplifting blend of music, vocals, stage lighting and visuals from the Great Oak Stage.
Starting with the track Eurochild, Massive Attack were bringing a clear message to highlight Britain’s role within the EU and to not let “bigots and racists” tear the country apart. Further highlights included guest performances from Azekel and Tricky.
There was also a surprise appearance from Horace Andy – reggae legend who came out on stage in a wheel chair and made the trip especially from hospital. Playing their tracks such as Ritual Spirit and Take It There, the party was flowing… Hands a loft, the crowd were there to stay till the last very last note.
The band were welcomed with an overwhelming roar of delight for their last number Unfinished Sympathy, which included a full orchestra and spell-casting live vocals. During the track, was a lit-up banner which cleared stated the intention of the evening and to support views and opinions to events which are unfolding within the current political world: We are all in this together.
Massive Attack certainly know how to bring the crowd together, through their music and what they stand for. Their music, old and new has the capacity to uplift and take their fans on a live journey of entertainment and musical appreciation. The only apparent disappointment from the crowd was the exclusion of their infamous Teardrop track from the set.
Other acts to grace the first BST festival evening were Patti Smith, who was equally vocal in her stance towards the latest current affairs on Brexit, TV On The Radio and Ghost Poet. Overall a great day of live music from artists who were there to be heard!
Massive Attack, London, 1 July 2016
United Snakes (from Heligoland, 2010)
Risingson (from Mezzanine, 1998)
Ritual Spirit (from Ritual Spirit EP, 2016)
Future Proof (from 100th Window, 2003)
Eurochild (from Protection, 1994)
Pray For Rain (from Heligoland, 2010)
Angel (from Mezzanine, 1998)
Voodoo In My Blood (from Ritual Spirit EP, 2016)
Old Rock n Roll (from Young Fathers, White Men Are Black Men Too, 2015)
Shame (from Young Fathers, White Men Are Black Men Too, 2015)
He Needs Me (new with Young Fathers)
Inertia Creeps (from Mezzanine, 1998)
Take It There (from Ritual Spirit EP, 2016)
Safe From Harm (from Blue Lines, 1991)
Unfinished Symphony (from Blue Lines, 1991)
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