British trip-hop band Massive Attack has said it is “surprised and disappointed” after Singapore indefinitely banned the group from returning to the country over a pro-Palestine display during a recent concert.
The band’s members said they were detained, questioned by police and subjected to searches after displaying a Palestinian flag and chanting “Free Palestine” during their performance in Singapore.
The incident occurred during the group’s July 29 concert, where band members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall raised a Palestinian flag while joining audience members in chants of “Free Palestine.”
Singaporean authorities later announced that the pair would be permanently barred from re-entering the country or performing there again.
According to Singapore Police, the musicians received stern warnings for allegedly violating laws that restrict the public display of foreign national flags and regulate political expression at public events.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Massive Attack described the experience as “surreal,” saying members of the band were detained by police, questioned separately, had their hotel rooms searched and temporarily surrendered their passports.
The group said it did not expect that displaying the flag of “a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries” would breach Singaporean law.
Massive Attack also praised fans who joined the chants, saying many in the audience felt a moral obligation to express solidarity with Palestinians despite Singapore’s strict regulations on political demonstrations.
The band has long been known for taking public positions on political and humanitarian issues, including the war in Gaza.
Earlier this year, Robert Del Naja was arrested in the United Kingdom during a protest after displaying a sign supporting the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation under UK law.
Singapore maintains some of the world’s strictest laws on public speech and political demonstrations. Authorities say the restrictions help preserve racial and religious harmony in the multicultural city-state.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs warned against publicly displaying symbols, flags or items linked to the conflict, arguing that such actions could inflame tensions.
Despite the ban, Massive Attack’s international tour continues, with the band scheduled to perform in Australia after concluding its Asia tour.
