MASSIVE ATTACK AT MARBLE ARCH: WHEN MUSIC MEETS CLIMATE PROTEST

Massive Attack have never been content to simply soundtrack change; they strive to be part of it. In 2019, their commitment to the climate crisis took centre stage—literally—when they performed at London’s Marble Arch during Extinction Rebellion’s now-famous protests. It wasn’t a glossy, ticketed event. There were no elaborate visuals or stadium-scale production. Instead, it was raw, direct, and deeply symbolic.

Marble Arch had become the epicentre of Extinction Rebellion’s city-wide demonstrations. Protesters camped out beneath banners demanding climate action, their chants and speeches echoing through London’s streets. For days, the city was alive with urgency, hope, and defiance. And then, in the midst of it all, Massive Attack appeared.

The band’s performance was understated but powerful. Performing stripped-back versions of their tracks, they brought a haunting calm to the chaotic energy of the protest. The choice of venue wasn’t just symbolic—it was a declaration. By aligning themselves with Extinction Rebellion, Massive Attack made it clear that their activism isn’t limited to their art.

Robert Del Naja, the band’s co-founder and a vocal advocate for climate action, later reflected on the performance: “It’s no longer enough to just talk about change. We need to show it, live it, amplify it.”

Their Marble Arch appearance became a defining moment—not just for the protest, but for the band’s ongoing journey as activists within the music industry. This same ethos is now woven into Act 1.5, where Massive Attack will once again use their platform to inspire action. Collaborating with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and embracing sustainable touring practices, they’ve demonstrated how art can directly address the climate crisis.The Marble Arch performance was never meant to be the final word on their activism. It was a spark, one that continues to fuel their work, including their involvement in Act 1.5. For Massive Attack, music has always been more than sound. It’s a statement, a call to action, and a challenge to imagine a better future.

Get your tickets for ACT 1.5 Presents Massive Attack at M&S Bank Arena Liverpool by visiting Ticket Quarter.