Massive Attack, the UK’s ‘trip-hop’ pioneers, bring their haunting and hypnotic fusion of hazy beats, dub, hauntingly soulful melodies and choice samples to Australia this March. Founding members Robert Del Naja (3D) and Grant Marshall (Daddy G) will be joined on tour by vocalists Horace Andy, Deborah Miller, Martina Topley-Bird, and band members Damon Reece (drums), Angelo Bruschini (guitar), John Baggott (keyboards), Winston Blissett (bass) and Julien Brown (drums).
On February 5, Massive Attack will release their 5th studio album, their first since 2003’s 100th Window. Heligoland (EMI) features guests Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Tunde Adebimpe of TV On The Radio, Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Portishead’s Adrian Utley and long time associate, ragga-reggae veteran Horace Andy. For the first time in this region, all patrons purchasing tickets for Massive Attack’s Australian and New Zealand dates will have the option of including a copy of their much anticipated new album Heligoland at no extra cost. Ticket buyers will have a choice between receiving a digital download of the album with bonus tracks, or a physical Tour Edition that will feature an exclusive cover.
Tickets for Massive Attack’s tour dates will be on pre-sale for a two week period commencing Friday January 22 and those who purchase tickets before Thursday February 4 will be the first in the world to receive Heligoland. Head to www.massiveattack.com.au to access this exclusive offer.
Massive Attack formed out of Bristol’s legendary DJ collective The Wild Bunch in 1988, releasing their debut single Daydreaming two years later, with Shara Nelson and Tricky on vocals. The soaring Unfinished Sympathy with its iconic one-take video followed, as did Safe From Harm, again featuring Nelson, all lifted from their enduring classic and critically acclaimed debut album, Blue Lines. The chilled out Protection followed in ‘94, with singles Karmacoma, Sly and the title track featuring Everything But The Girl’s Tracey Thorn, the album winning Massive Attack the Brit Award for Best Dance Act. The group’s darker third album Mezzanine, featuring Teardrop – vocals by Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins) – and Inertia Creeps, won the Q Award for Best Album and a nomination for Mercury Music Prize.
In 2008 Massive Attack were awarded the Q Award for Innovation and last year were honoured with the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Supporting Massive Attack on tour, as well as appearing on stage with them, is Martina Topley-Bird. Martina came to the fore providing the feminine touch on Tricky’s landmark album Maxinquaye, plus three follow-up albums, her eerie soft vocals contrasting with Tricky’s menacing mutterings. In 2003 Martina released her Mercury Music Prize nominated, solo debut album Quixotic, with guest appearances from David Holmes, Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan, Mojo describing it “a sensual and endlessly inventive record.” The Blue God is Martina’s latest album release. She also features on lead vocals on two new Massive Attack tracks, Babel and Psyche.
