Massive Attack Banned in Singapore Over Palestinian Flag
British band detained after concert and banned from performing, while Dino Merlin confirms his status as the Balkans' biggest star in front of over 150,000 people.
British band detained after concert and banned from performing, while Dino Merlin confirms his status as the Balkans' biggest star in front of over 150,000 people.
While Dino Merlin was wrapping up his triumphant trilogy of concerts at a packed Koševo stadium in Sarajevo, a music drama with political overtones was unfolding on the other side of the world. British electronic band Massive Attack announced on Sunday, August 2, 2026, that they have been banned from performing in Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag on stage during their concert on July 29.
The incident occurred at Singapore's State Theater, where Massive Attack performed a concert that culminated in spontaneous chants of "Free Palestine" from the audience. The band joined in, and members held up the Palestinian flag. The authorities' response was swift and harsh. "We were surprised and disappointed by the authorities' response. For our part, we never imagined that simply holding the flag of a sovereign state recognized by 157 countries would violate any law," Massive Attack wrote in a statement on Instagram.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs had already issued a statement in 2023 discouraging citizens from displaying symbols related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The peace and harmony between the different races and religions in Singapore cannot be taken for granted, and we must not allow events happening outside to affect that peace and harmony we have in Singapore," the Ministry said at the time.
According to the band, the consequences were dramatic. After the performance, the entire band was detained, isolated, and interrogated individually. Some band members had their passports temporarily confiscated, and their hotel rooms were searched. Massive Attack stated in their statement that they are proud of the improvised act of solidarity with their fans. "We are proud to have made this improvised expression with our fans in Singapore who clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine in their ongoing reality of illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide, and we applaud their courage in doing so," they said.
They also added a broader comment on the global situation: "Around the world, the continued inaction of the 'international' community is forcing citizens to take personal risks." This stance has been a long-standing position for the band members. Del Naja was arrested in April 2026 at a protest in London supporting the activist group Palestine Action. At the time, at a gathering of 500 protesters, he carried a banner reading "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Along with his colleague Grant Marshall, he also early on supported the No Music for Genocide campaign.
While the global music scene buzzes about the Massive Attack case, Dino Merlin has completed his historic series of concerts at Sarajevo's Koševo stadium. On the third and final night, August 2, 2026, he joined a total audience of over 150,000 attendees who passed through the stadium over the three nights.
Merlin opened the concert with "Da šutiš" and immediately established an emotional connection with the audience. "Is this my Sarajevo? Is this the celebration? Let's sing our songs!" he exclaimed, drawing ovations. The program featured major hits like "Sredinom," "Đula," "Zar je to sve," and "Smijehom strah pokrijem," accompanied by lavish visual effects, lasers, and fireworks.
Special energy was brought by guests as well. Senidah appeared on stage for the third night to perform the duet "Dođi" with Merlin, and Ivana Banfić joined him for a rendition of "Godinama." One of the most emotional moments was a dedication to his grandchildren, for whom he fulfilled a wish by singing "Školjku." "The older one asked me: 'Grandpa, can we come to the concert? And will you sing Školjku for us?' I told him: 'Not only will I sing Školjku for you, the whole stadium will sing it,'" Merlin recounted.
The concert's finale featured an emotional tribute to Halid Bešlić with the song "Ljiljane" and a spectacular drone show that traced his likeness in the sky. "I lived with all my being in every moment tonight with you. You know, it's wonderful to fill stadiums, but there's something more than that-to love human hearts. I hope I filled your hearts tonight. Sarajevo was a world stage these three nights, Sarajevo, a wonderful place. Thank you to all who listen to and live my songs," Merlin told the audience before the grand finale.
