Two members of British trip-hop band Massive Attack have been given stern warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during the band’s concert here.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority, or IMDA, will also reject any future application for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore.
In other words, it is not just the two members who will be unable to return. The band will no longer be allowed to hold another concert here under the position announced by the authorities.
What Happened During the Massive Attack Concert
Massive Attack performed at The Star Theatre on 29 July 2026.
During the performance, two band members held up a Palestinian flag on stage. One of them also shouted “Free Palestine”.
Videos circulating online showed the two members raising the flag while members of the audience cheered.
Reports were subsequently lodged, and the police began investigating the two members for supporting a political cause and unfurling a foreign flag during the concert.
According to a joint statement by the Singapore Police Force and IMDA, the event organiser had previously acknowledged the concert’s licence conditions.
One of those conditions stated that flags supporting any cause must not be displayed.
Both Members Received Stern Warnings
After completing their investigations, the police consulted the Attorney-General’s Chambers and administered stern warnings to both men.
The warnings concerned offences under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and Section 16 of the Public Order Act.
Both men will also be banned from re-entering Singapore.
The authorities did not identify the two members who received the warnings.
Massive Attack currently has two core members, Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, although other musicians and vocalists also perform with the group.
Massive Attack Will Not Be Allowed to Perform Here Again
The consequences also extend to the rest of the band.
IMDA said it would not grant any future application for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore because of the entry bans imposed on the two members.
IMDA is separately investigating possible breaches of several concert licence conditions and said it would take the necessary action after completing its investigations.
No details were given about what that additional action could involve.
Why Displaying the Flag Was an Offence
Singapore does not allow foreign national emblems to be publicly displayed without a permit or an applicable exemption.
A person convicted of displaying a foreign national emblem without authorisation may be fined up to S$500, jailed for up to six months, or both.
In this case, the flag display also went against a specific condition attached to the concert licence, which prohibited flags supporting causes.
The police said they took a serious view of actions that could potentially harm racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
They also urged both Singaporeans and foreigners not to import foreign politics into the country, saying this could undermine social cohesion and the rule of law.
“The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let external events affect our society,” the police and IMDA said.
Massive Attack Are Known for Their Political Activism
Massive Attack were formed in Bristol, England, in 1988 and became pioneers of the trip-hop genre.
The group are known for songs including “Teardrop” and “Unfinished Sympathy”, as well as for incorporating political and social messages into their performances.
They have publicly supported Palestinian causes and previously criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Singapore concert was the only performance scheduled here as part of the band’s current international tour.
