Massive Attack, Brian Eno among UK and Irish musicians banding together to speak out on Israel’s war in Gaza

A coalition of UK and Irish musicians has come together to form a syndicate defending artists who face pressure for speaking out against Israel’s war in Gaza. The initiative, announced on social media by Massive Attack and supported by artists like Kneecap, Fontaines D.C., and producer Brian Eno, condemns what they describe as “organized intimidation” by legal and industry groups.

Massive Attack stated: “Because of our expressions of conscience, we’ve been subject to various intimidations from within our industry,” citing the actions of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) as one of the driving forces behind attempts to silence them.

UKLFI, a pro-Israel legal group, denies those claims. Its director, Caroline Turner, responded to the accusations in a statement to CNN: “Massive Attack has launched an attack on our organization, which helps to protect victims of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel racism.”

Turner also stated that antisemitism has become “an everyday part of life in the UK,” and described criticism of UKLFI’s role as a “vicious attack” on those defending Jewish communities.

The conflict escalated after Northern Irish rappers Kneecap and the British duo Bob Vylan faced backlash for pro-Palestinian comments during their performances at the Glastonbury music festival. UKLFI filed complaints that led to police investigations. While the police have dropped charges against Kneecap due to a lack of evidence, the case involving Bob Vylan remains open.

UKLFI claimed that Bob Vylan chanted “Death to the IDF” during their Glastonbury set—a statement referring to the Israeli military. The group also criticized the BBC for airing the performance. In response, the BBC called the performance “antisemitic” and admitted it should not have been broadcast.

Kneecap faced even more serious accusations. One member was recently charged with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag, following another UKLFI report. UK counterterrorism police are now investigating footage that allegedly shows Kneecap supporting both Hamas and Hezbollah—militant groups considered enemies of Israel.

Kneecap has denied these allegations. In a statement, the group said they “have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah” and claimed the video footage had been “deliberately taken out of context” as part of a coordinated smear campaign.

The controversy has led to multiple gig cancellations for both acts. UKLFI reportedly contacted venues across the UK, urging them to cancel Kneecap’s summer tour stops. In the US, the State Department went a step further by revoking Bob Vylan’s visas, effectively banning the group from performing in the country.

In response to these actions, the new syndicate of artists is calling for solidarity. Their post urges other musicians to reach out if they fear speaking up. They also outlined specific demands, including a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted aid access, and an end to UK arms sales to Israel.

“The scenes in Gaza have moved beyond description,” the statement read. “Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won’t stand by and allow other artists—particularly those early in their careers—to be threatened into silence or career cancellation.”

Singer Paloma Faith voiced support, commenting on the post: “Keep going everyone it’s going to eventually change! Hang in there.”

The syndicate’s formation highlights a growing divide between artists who want to speak openly about global issues and the legal, professional, and political challenges they may face in doing so. While free speech is a protected right, the backlash surrounding Gaza-related commentary reveals the high stakes for artists who challenge dominant political narratives.

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