In a world that feels increasingly like a fever dream, the return of Massive Attack isn’t just a musical event; it’s a sonic emergency broadcast. After a six-year silence, the Bristol trip-hop pioneers have resurfaced with “Boots on the Ground,” a track that features the gravel-voiced legend Tom Waits in his first new recording since 2011.
​Released today, April 16, 2026, the single arrives amidst a backdrop of global unrest. It’s a haunting, politically charged manifesto that takes aim at state authoritarianism, the militarization of police, and the humanitarian crisis surrounding ICE raids in the United States.
​A “Career Honour”: The Waits-Massive Synergy
​The collaboration has been years in the making. Tom Waits—who has focused primarily on acting in recent years—revealed that he sent the vocal stems for “Boots on the Ground” to the band “many years ago.” Massive Attack’s Robert “3D” del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall have transformed those vocals into a menacing, bass-heavy soundscape.
​The lyrics are vintage Waits: raw, sardonic, and biting. “Now who the hell are these federal pricks? / Hiding in the Senate like a bloated-ass tick,” he growls, while his son, Casey Waits, provides additional vocals. The track is paired with a B-side titled “The Fly,” a solo spoken-word piece by Waits that he describes as an “appreciation for the winged nuisance.”
​Visualizing the Emergency
​The accompanying film, directed by the band in collaboration with US photo artist thefinaleye, is a chilling montage. It spans six years of American history—from the 2020 murder of George Floyd to current 2026 ICE crackdowns. The video ends with a somber roll call of individuals who have died in ICE custody, grounding the art in a tragic reality.
​”Across the Western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation of police forces are fusing again with neofascist politics,” says Robert del Naja. “This track contains pulses of callous impulse and abandoned mind.”
​Single Breakdown & Eco-Release
| Component | Release Info |
|---|---|
| Lead Single | Boots on the Ground (feat. Tom Waits) |
| B-Side | The Fly (Tom Waits Spoken Word) |
| Vinyl Format | 12″ EcoSonic (100% Recycled PET) |
| Charity Partners | ACLU & US Immigrant Defense Project |
| Release Date | April 16, 2026 |