Massive Attack gives one of their best performances ever in Hyde Park, London, July 1st

Massive Attack in London for the second date of their tour of summer festivals. Without a new album or EP, the band did promise a new show, different from their winter dates...

And obviously tonight was quite unique, from the choice of rare songs ('Eurochild', 'Pray for Rain') to the special guests (Tunde, Tricky!). 

Let's relive the story together...

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For the Opening: one of 3D's favourite choices - 'United Snakes'

Second song: unmissable 'Risingson':

Follows 'Ritual Spirit' with Azekel: 

Then 'Future Proof' - in 1 and 0 and bright red as usual:

The band then surprised the crowd by playing a fantastic punkish version of 'Eurochild' as a plea against the Brexit campaign and the referendum's results. 
They didn't play the song in 20 years and added, regretfully, "We didn't expect to be singing this 20 years later as a requiem".

Powerful message claimed by 3D against the current political climate, election results and act of racism...

"As sons of immigrants, we are both very disappointed with the situation.

(...) We can't let the bigots and racists back into this situation. It's bullshit."

Tunde Adebimpe came back on stage to sing 'Pray For Rain', from the Heligoland album, with the band. Amazing voice:

 The visual aspect of the show is one of the most powerful...

Then Horace Andy surprised everyone! He arrived sited in a chair after his yesterday's accident and performed and grand 'Angel':

Mid-show, Massive Attack were joined by Young Fathers for a fantastically powerful mini-set inside the show, performing 'Voodoo In My Blood', Young Fathers' own 'Old Rock'n'Roll' & 'Shame' (from LP White Men Are Black Men Too), and again duo 'He Needs Me'.

One of my personal favourite moment of tonight show: 'Inertia Creeps' and its visuals made of parts of portraits of famous artists / politicians. Brilliant vocals on this track!

3D then introduced early partner Tricky for a savage interpretation of the recent 'Take It There'. 

Tricky was more in place than ever, funny, uncontrollable, but intense and looking younger than ever!

Lovely interaction between the two old friend. A real moment:

The band was also at its best for its performance on 'Safe from Harm', with the lovely and talented Deborah Miller. Great visual creation too (bravo UVA, by the way, United Visual Artists):

The band then left... But come back for an unforgettable final : 'Unfinished Sympathy' with Deborah and a string section!

The screens were dominated by beautiful portraits of refugees, taken by British photographer Giles Duley for the UNHCR: 

We all wanted more, but what a day! Talented and wholehearted people at the best, involved, engaging and radiant, concerned and eloquent, handsome and charismatic. Great atmosphere between all the guest and the core band members.

Big up to Euan Dickinson and Angelo Bruschini who are so involved in the show. 

Wonderful messages and what a passion in Mr 3D, laughter and pleasure in the presence of Daddy G. 

Again, huge thanks to Horace Andy for coming on stage despite his injury!

The rain just before their entrance on stage, the horrible week the UK had been through, the strength of the previous guest (Patti Smith being the highlight but amazing TV On The Radio too), all did make Massive Attack more involved and relevant than ever.

Proud and honoured to have witnessed such a show, one of the best I've seen in my life.

A Massive Thank You!