Massive Attack and Tom Waits Release New Single, “Boots On The Ground”

Massive Attack and Tom Waits have teamed up on a new protest song, “Boots On The Ground.”

“And sadly for all, their song is never more urgent and timely,” Waits’ website and social media accounts read. “The song chronicles the madness and rabid abandonment of mankind to the commands of ‘The Masters of War’, as Dylan put it.”

“Boots On The Ground” also features vocals from Waits’ son, Casey. It is accompanied by a short film featuring the work of photo artist thefinaleye.

Waits elaborated on the collaboration in a press release.

“One day many years ago I accepted an invitation from Massive Attack to collaborate. Way back then, we sent them ‘Boots on the Ground.’ Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind’s yesteryears, guarantees this song will never go out of style. Man’s fiasco folly is a feast for the flies. Hence, the B-side of Massive Attack’s upcoming 12-inch ‘The Fly’ features my appreciation for the winged nuisance.”

Massive Attack also discussed the release in a statement, saying, “It’s a career honor to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality, and integrity of Tom. Across the Western Hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarization of police forces are fusing again with neo-fascist politics. Seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse and abandoned mind.”

The track is the first new release from Massive Attack since the Eutopia EP in 2020, and it’s the first from Waits since 2011’s Bad As Me.

“Boots on the Ground” is available now on streaming platforms, with the exception of Spotify, in line with Massive Attack’s decision to remove their music from the platform last year. The track will also be released as an eco-friendly 12″ vinyl made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) instead of traditional PVC and pressed on red, white, or blue. The B-side will feature Waits’ spoken-word piece “The Fly.” It is currently available for pre-order through both artists’ websites, and an MP3 is available for download now. The release is through Play It Again Sam, Massive Attack’s new label.