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Massive Attack Perform Address Brexit, Perform “Eurochild” for the First Time Since 1998

The world of music has continued its retaliation to the terrifying Brexit referendum results, which will see the UK sever its connection to the European Union. The latest has come from the legendary trip-hop founders Massive Attack, who used their headline slot at last week’s British Summer Time Festival to address the vote.

They performed their 1994 song Eurochild, in what was a clear reference to the vote result, and made extra special considering that it was the song’s first live performance since 1998. 3D reportedly commented that, “We didn’t expect to be singing this 20 years later as a requiem.”

Their political statement continued, with the frontman stating, “As sons of immigrants, we are both very disappointed with the situation. We can’t allow ourselves to fall victim to the populist bullshit going on at the moment. We can’t let the bigots and racists back into this situation. It’s bullshit.”

A sentiment shared with many British musicians, exasperated frustration was a clear undercurrent in the performance. Massive Attack’s powerful song attains new meaning in today’s political climate, and it makes for an intense performance and statement. Watch below:

Concertgoers also got another extra special surprise, in the form of a guest appearance from founding member Tricky, who until recently, had not collaborated with the group since the early 1990s. He joined the group on stage for an incredible rendition of Take It There. Watch:

Earlier this year, Massive Attack released their first new music since 2010, a short EP titled Ritual Spirit. The phenomenal, feature-filled four tracker included guest spots from Roots Manuva, Young Fathers (who performed with the group in the above videos), Azekel, and perhaps most importantly, Tricky, in his first song with the group since 1994.

Image: Music Tour