Massive Attack and Tom Waits Collaborate on Powerful New Track 'Boots On The Ground' Addressing Political and Social Issues
Massive Attack and Tom Waits have collaborated on a new track called ‘Boots On The Ground’, which addresses political and social issues in the US. The song is accompanied by a video that highlights the aftermath of public protests against ICE raids and state authoritarianism. The track features vocals from Waits and his son Casey, set against a somber soundscape created by Massive Attack.
The collaboration will be released on vinyl, with a b-side track by Waits called ‘The Fly’. The artists expressed their concerns about the current political climate and the militarization of police forces in the Western hemisphere. Waits mentioned that he had sent the track to Massive Attack years ago and is excited about its release now.
Massive Attack's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in the production of the vinyl, which is made from 100% recycled materials. The profits from the sale of the vinyl will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union and the US Immigrant Defense Project. The duo has also been involved in activism, with Robert Del Naja recently arrested during a peaceful protest in support of Palestine Action.
Massive Attack's last full-length album was released in 2010, and they have been working on new music for the past few years. They are set to release more music in 2026 and will be performing at various festivals in Europe. The group has also taken a stand against Spotify and participated in the No Music For Genocide campaign.
Tom Waits, on the other hand, has been writing new music and may tour in the future. He will be releasing a collection of covers of his songs recorded by various artists, as well as appearing on a tribute album for Shane MacGowan. Waits is also set to star in Jim Jarmusch's new film and has been active in the music scene with his wife Kathleen Brennan.