British trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack are set to make a long-awaited return to Australia for the first time in 16 years, with confirmed shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney this August. The influential group, led by Robert '3D' Del Naja and Grant 'Daddy G' Marshall, last performed in Australia in 2010, making this tour a highly anticipated event for fans of the genre.
New Music and Collaborations
The tour announcement coincides with the release of the band's first new music in six years, a collaboration with legendary singer Tom Waits titled 'Boots on the Ground'. This marks a significant moment for the band, which has been relatively quiet in terms of new releases.
Who Are Massive Attack?
Formed in Bristol in 1988, Massive Attack are widely regarded as pioneers of the trip-hop genre. Their sound is built on hip-hop rhythms, soul samples, dub bass, and atmospheric electronics. Their 1991 debut album 'Blue Lines' remains one of the most influential records of its era. The band has released five studio albums, including 'Protection', 'Mezzanine', '100th Window', and 'Heligoland', collectively selling more than 13 million copies worldwide. Their biggest hits include 'Unfinished Sympathy' and 'Teardrop'.
Over the years, Massive Attack have also attracted considerable intrigue due to persistent speculation that Robert Del Naja is secretly the Bristolian street artist Banksy. This theory, fueled by overlaps between the band's tour dates and the appearance of Banksy murals around the world, has been a subject of fascination for internet sleuths. A more recent investigation by Reuters suggested that Del Naja may act as Banksy's location scout.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Presale for the Australian shows begins on June 4, with tickets going on general sale on June 5. The tour marks Massive Attack's fourth visit to Australia overall and their most anticipated in over a decade.
