Massive Attack, Brian Eno join artists’ syndicate to defend criticism on Gaza genocide
Artists denounce ‘targeted censorship campaigns’ by pro-Israel groups as new UK-based syndicate vows support for embattled musicians and artists
LONDON, United Kingdom (MNTV) — British musicians Massive Attack and Brian Eno have teamed up with Irish band Fontaines D.C. and Belfast rap trio Kneecap to launch a syndicate supporting artists targeted for criticizing Israel’s war in Gaza.
The initiative aims to defend freedom of expression amid growing industry backlash and alleged censorship campaigns, according to Arab News.
The newly formed group accuses pro-Israel organizations, particularly UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), of orchestrating “aggressive and vexatious” efforts to intimidate and silence artists who speak out against Israel’s “genocidal war” on Palestinians.
In a joint statement released via Instagram, the musicians voiced concern that emerging or vulnerable artists were especially at risk of being coerced into silence.
“We’re aware of the scale of aggressive, vexatious campaigns operated by UKLFI and of multiple incidences of intimidation within the music industry designed solely to censor and silence artists,” the statement read. “Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won’t stand by and allow others to be threatened into silence or career cancellation.”
The syndicate’s announcement comes amid a growing number of legal and reputational challenges faced by artists in the UK.
UKLFI recently filed a police report against the band Bob Vylan, who chanted “death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)” during a live set at the Glastonbury Festival.
That incident is currently under police investigation, and several of the band’s scheduled performances have since been cancelled.
UKLFI has also lodged a formal complaint against the BBC for broadcasting Bob Vylan’s performance.
Separately, Kneecap’s Mo Chara is facing terrorism-related charges after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag on stage. The incident, also reported by UKLFI, led to the cancellation of multiple shows.
The artists argue that such campaigns amount to a systematic attempt to stifle political speech within the music industry.
“This is not only about freedom of expression,” Massive Attack wrote on social media. “It’s about shielding young and independent voices from punitive action by powerful lobbying groups.”
The syndicate aims to provide public solidarity and legal support for artists who may otherwise lack the resources to respond to coordinated pressure and censorship.
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