As Massive Attack prepare for their first hometown gig in five years, a music journalist believes it could be a “turning point” for the city’s music scene.
“We might find that this is looked back on as one of those great defining moments,” said broadcaster Alastair Shuttleworth.
About 34,000 people are set to attend the concert on Clifton Downs in Bristol on Sunday, which is set to be the lowest-carbon concert of its scale ever held.
“The eyes of the music industry are on this event,” said Mr Shuttleworth.
Mr Shuttleworth believes the high-profile event could inspire the next generation of iconic acts coming out of Bristol.
He said: “Massive Attack have had an incalculable impact on the city.
“The really important thing they’ve contributed to Bristol is helping build its identity as an amazing place for adventurous, boundary-pushing, bizarre music.
“Some of the weirdest music in the world is being made in this city.”
‘Nothing to compare this to’
As well as making a musical impact, the band wants make a difference to the way the industry treats the planet, providing a template for others to follow.
All the food on Sunday will be plant-based, all the toilets compostable and the stages and stalls will be powered by batteries instead of diesel generators, with people encouraged to walk or take public transport to the festival.
Mr Shuttleworth said this was an “extension of what they’ve done with their music, remaining so true and and strong” to their ideals.
“Massive Attack are largely known for their integrity, their conviction.
They want it to just feel like a normal gig,” said the journalist.
But he added that, while people would hopefully not notice the changes, it would feel “very special and very memorable” for those attending.
“We might find that this event is looked back on 10 or 20 years from now, not only as the next example of what may become the next era of the British music festival, but it also may be a bit of a turning point for the city’s music,” said Mr Shuttleworth.
He added: “Nothing has really been done this ambitious with this many eyes on it before.
“There’s nothing, really, to compare this to.”
Massive Attack perform on Clifton Downs on Sunday evening, with support from Killer Mike, Langkum, Sam Morton and DJ Milo.
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