Music / Bristol
Massive Attack: A Bristol Story
A major new book on trailblazing Bristol band, Massive Attack, will be published in April by Bristol-based publisher Tangent Books.
Massive Attack: A Bristol Story, by French author and journalist, Melissa Chemam, looks at the history of the band and the members’ relationship with their home city – in particular Bristol’s slave trade generated wealth and its significance as an arrival point for immigrants to the UK, most notably the ‘Windrush generation’ from the Caribbean in the 1950s.
Melissa Chemam’s book was originally published in French
At nearly 400 pages, it is a comprehensive study of the influences that led to the formation of the Wild Bunch and then Massive Attack, and discusses how the city helped shape one of the most successful and innovative musical movements of the last 30 years.
is needed now More than ever
The book is based on a long series of interviews with Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja (known as 3D) conducted over many months.
It also includes interviews with other musicians and artists who influenced the band, and those who have worked or appeared with the band including The Pop Group’s Mark Stewart, Tricky, Portishead’s Adrian Utley, Neil Davidge, Sean Cook and street artist Inkie.
Chemam’s book goes on to examine the band’s collaborations, inner tensions and politics, as well as discussing the way they opened the door for other Bristol musicians and artists including Banksy, and their impact on the cultural landscape of the city and the UK.
Originally published in French in 2016, the Tangent Books edition will be the first English language edition.
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