Massive Attack have collaborated with Tom Waits on a new song, titled ‘Boots On The Ground’.
The track marks the first release of new material from the band since 2020’s EUTOPIA EP, and it comes backed by a vinyl-exclusive B-side by Waits titled ‘The Fly’, which is Waits’ first new solo recording since 2011’s Bad As Me.
‘Boots On The Ground’ comes with a politically-focused video co-created by Massive Attack and US photo artist thefinaleye that draws on footage of recent US protests against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and military action being carried out by the government. You can watch the visual below.
Novelist Omar El Akkad is also set to publish an accompanying spoken word text based on the track’s themes tomorrow (17 April).
In a statement, Massive Attack said: “It’s a career honour to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality and integrity of Tom, but this track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos. Across the western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation of police forces are fusing again with neo-fascist politics. Seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse and abandoned mind.”
Waits added: “One day many years ago I accepted an invitation from Massive Attack to collaborate. Way back then, we sent them ‘Boots On The Ground’. Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind’s yesterdays, guarantees this song will never go out of style. Man’s fiasco folly is a feast for the flies. Hence, the B side of Massive Attack’s upcoming 12-inch, ‘The Fly’, features my appreciation for the winged nuisance.”
‘Boots On The Ground’ is Massive Attack’s first release under its Spotify exemption policy, meaning the track will not be made available for streaming on the platform. A limited vinyl edition will be made using recycled materials, and proceeds will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union and the US Immigrant Defense Project.
The new song’s release comes five days on from Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja’s arrest at a Palestine Action protest in London.
‘Boots On The Ground’ is out now on PIAS.
