Thursday was all about Massive Attack playing a pretty MASSIVE gig at Europe’s largest venue – The Co-op Live. On arrival, the exterior was swarming with fans and staff were directing them with loud speakers to various ticket points around the ginormous perimeter of this monster venue.
One thing I will say about the Co-op is they are well organised, despite that infamous shaky start last year the staff are attentive and it feels fairly well structured, People love to moan about these places as yes it is corporate but ultimately if you want to see big bands who attract big audiences then suck it up and deal with it as this is not too shabby. I am getting a tad fatigued with the moaning that takes place when ever I say I am coming to a larger venue, not quite sure what folk expect but you ain’t going to see Massive Attack play The Peer Hat.
The start of the show was introduced with a fiery political speech aimed at the current shit show of a world we live in, it covered all bases and honestly was possibly more effective than a support band, it certainly riled up the crowd who responded passionately.
Just as we thought the band were going to come on stage, we were then presented with a light show which showcased benign headlines about celebrities, perhaps to show the darker side of the media and how such headlines are a distraction from the travesties taking place, the murders of innocent children, but never mind them, here is where Taylor Swift eats her lunch. Well played Massive Attack.
The band had already caused a stir by insisting the venue be stripped of any Barclays advertisements due to their involvement with arms dealing and other shady shenanigans, I applaud them for this, they didn’t cancel, they played a game and won.
The band finally appeared on stage and the first song (if you do not include the intro track ‘In My Mind’. ‘Risingson’ was up first and it sounded magnificent, they were worth the wait. The band had also included some guests to their bill and during their next track the band were joined on stage by Horace Andy for the track ‘Girl I Love You’.
A huge cheer emitted from the crowd when Elizabeth Fraser walked on stage. Fraser blew the roof off with her stunning vocals for ‘Black Milk’ and it was an absolute privilege to see this lady sing live. Fraser joined the band numerous times across the evening, most notably on ‘Teardrop’ which was a hugely emotional affair. Another poignant moment was the cover of Tim Buckley’s ‘Song to the Siren’ which was sung beautifully by Fraser and all the more emotional due to the significance.
‘Unfinished Sympathy’ saw the band joined by Deborah Miller, before Fraser returned again to play the final track of the evening ‘Group Four’. I had never seen Massive Attack live before and it was certainly one of those gig that will stay with me for a while. The band are playing on a number of further UK dates and I urge you to check them out!
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