Massive Attack

The three former members of the Bristol DJ collective The Wild Bunch (which also included Nellee Hooper and Milo) started recording together after Robert "3D" Del Naja wrote the song Manchild for Neneh Cherry. Encouraged by Cherry and producer husband Cameron McVey, they mixed soul, reggae and hip hop influences and recruited guest vocalists Shara Nelson, Horace Andy and Tricky to produce legendary debut album Blue Lines (1991). Led by the classic single Unfinished Sympathy, the hazy electronic loops, soulful melodies and inner city raps resulted in dance music for the head rather than the feet to become a hugely influential template for trip hop. After falling out with Shara Nelson, Everything But The Girl's Tracey Thorn and Nicolette sang on second album Protection (1994) while Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser and Sarah Jay guested on the UK No 1 album Mezzanine (1998). Andrew 'Mushroom Vowles quit in 1999, but they topped the charts again with 100th Window (2003), featuring Sinead O''Connor and Damon Albarn.

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