MASSIVE ATTACK ANNOUNCE PLANS TO PULL MUSIC FROM SPOTIFY OVER MILITARY AI TIES
Story by Alden Corv
21 Sep 2025
Bristol Legends Massive Attack have announced their intention to remove their catalogue from Spotify. The move comes in protest against CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in Helsing, a military AI company, which the band says is incompatible with the values of their music.
British trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack have announced their pans to remove their entire catalogue from Spotify, taking a stand agains the platforms leadership. The band has asked their label, Universal Music Group, to begin withdrawing their music globally after it emerged that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invested heavily in Helsing, a European defence technology company developing artificial intelligence for military purposes.
Although their music is still available on Spotify at present, the removal process is expected to take time due to global licensing and distribution arrangements. If carried out, it would mean the disappearance of landmark albums such as ‘Blue Lines’, ‘Mezzanine’ and ‘100th Window’ from the platform.
The decision highlights Massive Attack’s continued engagement with political and ethical issues, building on their history of activism and climate change, social justice and anti-war causes. Their move also reflects a growing debate around the responsibilities of tech leaders and the ethics of streaming platforms, raising the possibility of further challenges from other artists in the the future.