Massive Attack - Thoughts on set?

[geoffboycott]

Just wanted to garner peoples thoughts on Massive Attack's closing Other set on Sunday.

Big fan of MA and was a must see when the lineup came out as not seen them for a number of years. Have to say I was disappointed, despite the appropriate moodiness of the stage setting/lighting etc, I thought it lacked atmosphere and over did the political message regarding Guantanamo too. I mean unless I missed it, happy to be corrected, only 2 tracks from Blue Lines and nothing from Protection.

Maybe I had it set up in my mind of some amazing closing set with guest appearances from Shara Nelson and Tracey Thorn (which was never likely, but you have to hope! ) I was left feeling flat at the end which was a shame despite 'Unfinished Sympathy' closing it out.

[tumbles]

Sadly MA have been just a 3D DJ set for sometime. I had the vision that Tricky joined them on stage and they rocked it, but sadly not.

The last really good gig I saw from them was Queen Square homecoming in Bristol over 10 years ago now.

[JC-Mo'Fucka]

I thought it was cool but had to leave half way through as I was falling asleep a bit.

[russycarps]

I thought it was brilliant. Angel one of the highlights of the whole festival for me. Their set was the perfect end of the weekend, really set up the rest of the night nicely

[CrackityJones]

Wasn't planning on seeing them, but glad I did.

I went into it as a very casual fan, I've never been too fussed with them on record, but I really enjoyed it.

There was a great atmosphere in my part of crowd, which I guess helped a lot. They usually put me to sleep, but they won me over. Angel was fucking great!

[jonodillieono]

The heligoland tracks dragged on a bit for me but once they were out the way the last half of the set was magical. Safe From Harm and Battle Box being my highlights. I can't remember some parts of it as I spent too much time trying to read the messages at the back, bit of a regret but It's helped me hate Guantanamo even more so I suppose it's a success from their part

[russycarps]

It may have been my addled brain, but I wish some of the messages had stayed on the screen a little longer at a time as some were gone before I had a chance to process them

Edited July 1, 2014 by russycarps

[Trebor]

Lasted ten minutes and we all nearly fell asleep so left.

[dimus]

Thought they nailed it. Love the newer, darker tracks. Followed by the more well known stuff. Musically, one of the festival highlights for sure. Just wish it had been broadcasted as I was going to make a CD of the audio as I did for Portishead last year.

[russycarps]

Thought they nailed it. Love the newer, darker tracks. Followed by the more well known stuff. Musically, one of the festival highlights for sure. Just wish it had been broadcasted as I was going to make a CD of the audio as I did for Portishead last year.

[hjglasto]

I really enjoyed it and it had more atmosphere than I expected actually, Unfinished Sympathy was incredible - so happy I've finally seen it live, but +1 for being gutted about no BBC coverage, they headlined the second biggest stage for god's sake.

[geoffboycott]

Yeah I wondered why it wasn't recorded, thought maybe due to the amount of company logos shown on the screen, possible legal issues maybe? Or just that they didn't want it recorded which would be fair enough. I like the darker tracks, but thought it was weighted too heavily in that direction, it was clearly being used as a big vehicle to push a stance, which is fine as Glastonbury is about that, but I thought the balance was off. Trying to read the text distracted from the music occasionally. When you think of the great tracks on Protection for example, not one featured, which is a shame.

Edited July 1, 2014 by geoffboycott

[windy_miller]

Utterly dull. Left after 30 minutes.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

One of the best sets of the weekend for me. Brilliant from start to finish.

[hjglasto]

Actually it would make sense that it was for political reasons, M.I.A wasn't shown for the same reason.

[jonodillieono]

It may have been my addled brain, but I wish some of the messages had stayed on the screen a little longer at a time as some were gone before I had a chance to process them

[Mr.Tease]

I thought they were great- I like their political messages too. My only problem was, in my state of mind at the time, I thought the messages were a story, and that everyone's applause and enthusiasm for the music was due to them being engrossed in reading the story, which I was struggling to follow- ha!

Don't know how anyone could find it dull- it was more moody in places with some great bursts of energy. Loved it.

[siblin]

Fantastic set.

I'd seen them in 2008 and I get the disappointment as its quite downbeat compared to what you first expect, however now I knew to expect this i loved every minute of this set.

[geoffboycott]

Really good and interesting to read people's experience. Cheers for the replies.

I suspect my disappointment is partly down to having seen them a few times in the mid/late 90's and despite loving all the albums since, I was hoping for a more mixed set, especially given it was a headliner slot and closing the stage too.

But on a postive note, I think that was the only disappointment for me, the festival was superb this year.

Edited July 1, 2014 by geoffboycott

[ghandi]

A shame that there was nothing from Protection and expected Babel from Heglioland but sad it wasn't played. Safe from Halm, Angel and unfinished Symphony, and Atlas Air were all great though.

[Guest]

Loved it loved it loved it, I finished the set in tears.

[Trebor]

The band refused permission for it to be filmed.

[Pbird81]

Was a bit worried it might be a bit dull....

Was absolutely blown away - really loved it, the atmosphere was amazing, and I loved the messages on screen - really fitted. Probably my favourite set from the weekend.

[When Jokers Attack]

Best of the weekend. Incredible!

[angelin]

Did Tracey Thorn fall out with the,? I've never seen her perform with them. I was going to go but I was really sick that day. How disappointing it sounds.