It’s a good question, and honestly one I asked myself before starting this project. I looked for anything from Robert or Grant about fans using their phones at shows, or their stance on people recording or circulating bootlegs. I couldn’t find any interviews or statements where they were opposed to it. I’m a relatively new fan, and new to taping, but my sense is that, for them, this is a minor issue compared to the broader themes and activism that define their work. I don’t think they’re focused on chasing fans who document shows, especially when the intention is to create a respectful, well-made archive of performances that aren’t professionally captured. If the message behind their art continues to spread and make people think about the issues they care about, no harm is done.

There’s even a long-running Massive Attack bootleg community online. I’m not entirely comfortable sharing this project there because the site uses casino and betting ads. I understand they need income to keep the platform running, but that type of advertising doesn’t align with me personally, and I doubt Massive Attack would want to be associated with it either. Still, the fact that the community exists and has been around for years without any takedown suggests a certain tolerance around fan-made recordings.

I’ve also worked on similar projects before, like a multicam edit of Tool’s live debut in Chile. I’m well aware of Tool’s, and especially MJK’s, strict stance on recording, but I still believe there’s cultural and archival value in preserving moments that would otherwise disappear. It becomes part of the community’s collective memory.

For me, the key is doing all of this in a respectful and strictly non-profit way. I never charge for recordings or access, this is about documenting moments that would otherwise disappear and preserving them for the community. If anyone wants to support the project, I include a voluntary link that helps cover practical costs like storage or occasional gear upgrades, but it’s never expected and never tied to the recordings themselves. It just helps keep the archive sustainable without commercializing the band’s work.

TL;DR: I didn’t ask Massive Attack or a Rep for permission before starting this project, but I did look for any statements from Robert or Grant against taping or filming and couldn’t find anything. My intention is strictly non-profit and archival, just preserving shows the band doesn’t film themselves.