Massive Attack & Tom Waits Release Powerful New Single ‘Boots On The Ground’

Massive Attack unveiled “Boots On The Ground,” a stirring protest song featuring Tom Waits. The single marks the first new music from the the British trip-hop group since 2020 and Waits’ first contribution to original music in 15 years.

“Boots On The Ground” arrived on streaming platforms along with a video created by Massive Attack featuring images by U.S. photo artist thefinaleye. “This montage work portrays a momentous American epoch that is yet to be named, and comes in the aftermath of the largest public protests in American history – focused on opposition to ICE raids, the militarisation of domestic forces, and state authoritarianism,” reads a description of the video.

The seven-minute track begins with ominous deep breaths. Waits sings lyrics such hard-hitting lyrics as “Now who the hell are these federal pricks? Hiding in the Senate like a bloated-ass tick” with his typical growl. Massive Attack’s haunting soundscapes are laid underneath the social commentary. Tom Waits’ son, Casey, provides additional vocals.

Waits elaborated on the unlikely pairing in a press release: “One day many years ago, I accepted an invitation from Massive Attack to collaborate. Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind’s yesterdays, guarantees this type of song will never go out of style. Man’s folly of fiascos 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.”

“It’s a career honour to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality and integrity of Tom, but this track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos,” noted Massive Attack in a statement. “Across the western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation 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 & abandoned mind.”

Tom Waits’ last new original music came with the release of his 2011 album Bad As Me. He teamed with Marc Ribot in 2018 for a cover of the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao.”

A 12″ vinyl release is currently available for pre-order. As Waits noted, “The Fly,” another track he recorded with Massive Attack is the B-Side.

Watch the “Boots On The Ground” video below: