Massive Attack fans gathered on The Downs last night (Sunday, August 25) to watch Bristol’s band perform what may be their final gig in the city. Echoing times gone by, the clouds closed in just as the headline act began and a torrential downpour followed. Although many soaked-through gig goers packed up and left around halfway through the set, most were happy to brave the rain. Donning ponchos and holding camping chairs above their heads, people were in good spirits. Despite now being in the later years of their careers, Massive Attack sounded fantastic. I overheard many fans whispering phrases such as “they sound just like on the tracks.”
Horace Andy supported Massive Attack with ‘Girl I Love You’, followed by Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins with ‘Black Milk.’ Now 60, Fraser delivered the same stellar vocals we heard when ‘Teardrop’ was released. The day started when gates opened at 2pm. Buses were running regularly between Bristol Temple Meads and The Downs, though despite road closures, there was a taxi drop-off point taking guests not travelling by bike or public transport directly to the entrance queue. The event marked 25 years of climate action by the band. Partners included Ecotricity, Grid Faeries, UN Race to Zero, Train Hugger and Zenobe. I was most impressed by the main stage being completely powered by Ecotricity batteries. Food at the event was limited to strictly vegan vendors, a huge step for an event of this size in reducing its carbon footprint. There was an issue at some point in the day where non-vegan doughnuts were being sold, but Bristol Vegans, the organisers of the food fayre, quickly distributed the news on social media and sent emails to all ticket holders in case anyone had taken the snacks home.
The Novara Media stage saw talks from experts throughout the day on a number of topics, including Bristol’s black history, the failures of a capitalist economy and whether the new Labour government will be the ‘greenest ever.’ However, I was particularly stunned when Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity, said we “can’t have it all” when Green Party co-leader and MP for Bristol Central Carla Denyer expressed her concern for the government’s plans for London City Airport expansion.
Palestinian solidarity was also a strong theme throughout the day. Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja’s artwork followed the themes of war and peace, and crowds waved Palestine’s flag as Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, which encouraged huge rounds of applause.
I got talking to a woman in the crowd who had bought tickets to the show for herself and her partner last year, which cost approximately £150. He was a huge Massive Attack fan but felt that he had “come to have fun, not have war shoved down my throat,” whilst his partner didn’t know how she would sleep that night having been presented with video footage of what is happening around the world. I felt it was reassuring to see a band with such a following give a platform to the issues facing the world today. But given the number of young children at the event, I was shocked to see the graphic images played on screen of starving children and war zones.
The VIP guest area was closed around 9pm, though the security were unsure why as they had previously told it would be open until 10:30pm. Guests were being turned away from the tent, which was the only area of substantial shelter from the downpour where the stage could still be seen. Many guests were turned away from the Zenobe e-buses at the end of the show as they did not have the correct green wristband. There were more buses waiting for the crowds than I have ever seen at a music event but I was saddened to see that many resorted to private taxis after being turned away from buses in the cold and damp weather.
The final train left Bristol Temple Meads for London at 10:30, meaning many disgruntled fans had to leave before the final songs, including ‘Teardrop.’ Though the buses had been coordinated, trains were running their usual timetables leaving Bristol. Forwards festival will take place at The Downs next week and will not be a carbon neutral event. In fact, last year’s festival had a carbon footprint of 472.76 tonnes of CO2. Carla Denyer MP did give me hope that this would be an event used as a model to how events should be run to the music industry. Speaking on the topic of Forwards festival, she said: “Bristol City Council does have the ability to license for these events and I know there have already been conversations between members around this.” This was a pilot in the making for four years to change the way we enjoy concerts and festivals whilst remaining eco-conscious. Although organisers didn’t get everything right, I felt I saw Bristol’s solidarity and protest which are qualities that make me proud to call the city my home. Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
