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Massive Attack members banned from re-entering Singapore after Palestinian flag display
Authorities have also said they will not allow the band to perform in the country in the future
Two members of Massive Attack have been banned from re-entering Singapore after the group displayed a Palestinian flag at a recent concert.
- READ MORE: Massive Attack tell us about tackling the climate crisis at gigs and new music
The two musicians in question have not been named, but they have been issued with “stern warnings” by police following their show at The Star Theatre on Wednesday (July 29).
The country’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has also said it will not approve any future applications for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore.
According to a joint statement from the police and IMDA, as reported by Channel News Asia, the two men were investigated for “their actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag” during the performance, and issued warnings for offences under the country’s Public Order Act.
“Both men will also be banned from re-entering Singapore,” the statement added.
After the Wednesday show, footage circulated online showing the group holding the flag of Palestine above their heads as the audience cheered. Authorities have said that one band member also shouted: “Free Palestine”.
British band Massive Attack faces a police investigation over a Palestinian flag. pic.twitter.com/ttdXfE9Son
— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 (@Malcolm_Pal9) July 31, 2026
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Singapore restricts the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption, and breaches can carry a fine of up to S$500 (£290), a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
The IMDA said it was continuing to investigate possible breaches of the concert’s licence conditions and would take “necessary action” once that investigation had concluded.
Massive Attack have been consistent in their support for Palestine and have boycotted performing in Israel since 1999.
Last month, Robert Del Naja revealed that he had invited Palestinian activist Aarab Barghouti – the son of imprisoned politician Marwan Barghouti – to speak before the group’s planned headline appearance at Primavera Sound Barcelona.
Their set was ultimately cancelled because of extreme weather, although Barghouti later introduced Gorillaz’ headline show.
Earlier this year, Del Naja was among more than 500 people arrested during a London demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action. He later criticised what he called the government’s “draconian” response and described his arrest as “unlawful”.
In February, Massive Attack responded to the original ban on Palestine Action being deemed unlawful by the High Court, claiming then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer “wanted to punish those who made their complicity in a genocide visible”.
The band have also backed the No Music For Genocide campaign and committed to a full boycott of Spotify.
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Two members of Massive Attack have been banned from re-entering Singapore after the group displayed a Palestinian flag at a recent concert.
- READ MORE: Massive Attack tell us about tackling the climate crisis at gigs and new music
The two musicians in question have not been named, but they have been issued with “stern warnings” by police following their show at The Star Theatre on Wednesday (July 29).
The country’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has also said it will not approve any future applications for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore.
According to a joint statement from the police and IMDA, as reported by Channel News Asia, the two men were investigated for “their actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag” during the performance, and issued warnings for offences under the country’s Public Order Act.
“Both men will also be banned from re-entering Singapore,” the statement added.
After the Wednesday show, footage circulated online showing the group holding the flag of Palestine above their heads as the audience cheered. Authorities have said that one band member also shouted: “Free Palestine”.
British band Massive Attack faces a police investigation over a Palestinian flag. pic.twitter.com/ttdXfE9Son
— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 (@Malcolm_Pal9) July 31, 2026
Recommended
Singapore restricts the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption, and breaches can carry a fine of up to S$500 (£290), a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
The IMDA said it was continuing to investigate possible breaches of the concert’s licence conditions and would take “necessary action” once that investigation had concluded.
Massive Attack have been consistent in their support for Palestine and have boycotted performing in Israel since 1999.
Last month, Robert Del Naja revealed that he had invited Palestinian activist Aarab Barghouti – the son of imprisoned politician Marwan Barghouti – to speak before the group’s planned headline appearance at Primavera Sound Barcelona.
Their set was ultimately cancelled because of extreme weather, although Barghouti later introduced Gorillaz’ headline show.
Earlier this year, Del Naja was among more than 500 people arrested during a London demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action. He later criticised what he called the government’s “draconian” response and described his arrest as “unlawful”.
In February, Massive Attack responded to the original ban on Palestine Action being deemed unlawful by the High Court, claiming then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer “wanted to punish those who made their complicity in a genocide visible”.
The band have also backed the No Music For Genocide campaign and committed to a full boycott of Spotify.
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