Massive Attack's big statement at Co-op Live show leaves a lasting impression

Massive Attack review: A 'slightly hypnotic' show with a big message

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Massive Attack’s only UK arena show this year took place at Manchester’s Co-op Live last night. And the trip-hop pioneers were not satisfied with just playing the hits - this gig was designed to make you really think.

Massive Attack are well known for raising awareness of social injustices and making big statements through their performances. Weeks before the gig took place it was announced Co-op Live will be going 100% plant-based tonight, while gig-goers were encouraged to travel to the venue using public transport.

Earlier that day, the band also met with Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to mark World Environment Day and to together sign the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – an initiative to phase out existing production of fossil fuels. Before the show a spokesperson for the organisation was also invited to stage to talk about the treaty and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Ahead of the band taking to the stage, video clips on a vast screen are played by filmmaker Adam Curtis. What appears to be news headlines take over the screen, and then current Massive Attack members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall, also known as 3D and Daddy G, walk onto perform opening track In My Mind.

This is followed by Risingson, and then long-term collaborator, reggae singer Horace Andy, is invited to the stage to sing Girl I Love You, taken from the 2010 album Heligoland.

Massive Attack members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall, also known as 3D and Daddy G, led proceedings (Image: Andre Pattenden)

As the music plays, various clips and messages play out on the screen behind. We are shown distressing images of a destructed Palestine, as well as Ukraine and Bosnia, accompanied by other found footage. The result is slightly hypnotic, and as you look around the audience seem completely engaged in the show – a feat hard to pull off in such a large arena.

Next, collaborator Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser joins the band on stage to sing the vocals for Black Milk. Her stunning voice fills the arena, adding to the mesmerizing feel of tonight. For Inertia Creeps, Del Naja dedicates the song to the people of Palestine as shocking figures of death tolls now display on the screen.

The show was described as a 'live experience like no other' (Image: Andre Pattenden)

There’s a cover of Ultravox’s ROckwrok midway through the show, and then in the second half we are treated to some of the standout hits.

Debroah Miller provides the vocals for Unfinished Symphony, arguably one of the defining songs of the 1990s. Hearing the song live feels very special, and as she booms out the lyrics “Know much more” audience members look at each other in awe of her powerful voice.

Karmacoma is next up, followed by Elizabeth Fraser’s Teardrop, which brings the audience to their feet with their arms raised. The show concludes with Group Four and comes to an abrupt end with no encore, which works in these circumstances due to the way the performance flowed.

Massive Attack are well known for raising awareness of social injustices and making big statements through their performances (Image: Andre Pattenden)

As the stadium begins to empty, it does feel like as if we’ve learned something tonight alongside watching some outstanding live music. However, the visuals did often make you lose focus on Massive Attack themselves and sometimes it made you feel they were just providing the soundtrack to the footage.

But at the same time the show was very unique and provided fans with a live experience like no other.

Massive Attack set list in full:In My Mind Risingson Girl I Love You Black Milk Take It There Future Proof Song to the Siren Inertia Creeps ROckwrok Angel Safe From Harm Unfinished Sympathy Karmacoma Teardrop Levels Group Four Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

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