Massive Attack “Surprised & Disappointed” By Ban Over Palestine Flag Display

By Lara Kramer  •  03 Aug 2026 in News

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British trip-hop group Massive Attack have expressed disappointment over their treatment by Singaporean authorities after displaying support for Palestine during a recent concert in the city-state.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, the band said its members were “surprised and disappointed” after being detained by police, questioned separately and subjected to hotel room searches. The group also claimed that some members had their passports temporarily confiscated.

During their 29 July performance, founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall held up a Palestinian flag while joining concertgoers in chants of “Free Palestine”.

Singaporean authorities later announced that the two musicians would be permanently barred from re-entering the country or performing there. Police said both men were issued stern warnings over alleged violations of laws governing the public display of foreign flags and political expression at public events.

Massive Attack described the incident as a “surreal experience”, saying they had not expected that displaying the flag of a sovereign nation recognised by 157 countries could be considered a violation of local laws.

The group also said large sections of the audience had spontaneously joined chants in support of Palestine before and after the concert, despite Singapore’s strict regulations surrounding public political expression.

 

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“We are proud to have made the impromptu expression with our audience,” the band said, adding that many fans appeared to feel a strong moral responsibility to show solidarity with Palestinians.

However, some observers noted the complexities surrounding artistic expression and local laws. Singapore-based content creator Crystal Lim-Lange, who attended the concert, said artists should respect the laws of the countries where they perform, while acknowledging that art has historically challenged social norms and encouraged difficult conversations.

Massive Attack have long been vocal about political and humanitarian issues, including the war in Gaza. Del Naja was also arrested earlier this year during a protest in London over alleged support for the banned activist group Palestine Action.

Singapore has maintained strict controls over public demonstrations and political statements related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, arguing that such measures are necessary to safeguard racial and religious harmony in the multicultural nation.

The group is currently on a world tour and is set to perform in Australia following the conclusion of its Asian tour dates.

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