Massive Attack divide opinion for pulling out of a gig because of protests

Massive Attack have divided opinion by pulling out of a gig because of protests there.

The 90s group were set to perform 3,000 miles away in Georgia on 28 July.

But the £65-a-ticket concert at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili west of the capital Tbilisi has been axed.

Hundreds of thousands of protestors have taken to the streets.

They say that the government’s new legislation is an attack on human rights.

Music fans criticised the trip-hop group, from Bristol, as reported by Need To Know.

Massive Attack canceled their Georgia concert in protest of the government's human rights violations. The decision sparked mixed reactions from fans and praise from Georgians. — *Massive Attack post to social media confirming they have cancelled their planned gig in Georgia over Human Rights violations as well as the government’s new legislation. (Picture: Jam Press)*

Georgians were quick to praise them for their support.

The protests have been met with ugly clashes with the authorities.

Orit Wolf said: “You should concentrate on making music.”

Social media comment on the post of Massive Attack canceled their Georgia concert in protest of the government's human rights violations. The decision sparked mixed reactions from fans and praise from Georgians. — *Social media comment on the post. (Picture: Jam Press)*

Peter Playdon said: “Roll up folks, watch Massive Attack turn into U2.”

Yet Dolly Sarkasmo said: “Thank you so much for your support and standing with Georgia.”

Giorgi Tabagari added: “Thank you for standing up for the values.

“We love your music and more love now for this decision.”

Massive Attack said in a statement: “We’ve decided to cancel our show in Georgia on 28 July in protest of the Georgian government’s attack on basic human rights.

“At this moment, performing at the state-owned Black Sea Arena could be seen as an endorsement of their violent crackdown against peaceful protests and civil society.

“Beatings, arrests, threats and violence against peaceful protesters, activists and opponents, along with laws smearing civil society and denying LGBTI rights, go against everything we stand for.

“We stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters in Georgia defying state violence and feel that it is their voices that need to be heard and their struggle that needs to be under the international spotlight.

“We’ll return and perform with you in freedom.”

Massive Attack’s 1991 track Unfinished Sympathy was voted the 63rd-greatest song of all time.