Unfinished sympathy: How tabloids silenced Massive Attack singer Shara Nelson

As the singer and co-writer of Massive Attack’s groundbreaking 1991 hit Unfinished Sympathy, Shara Nelson had unique talent and the world ahead of her.

But she would be silenced by malicious tabloid coverage of a very personal dispute with superstar DJ Pete Tong. How did this happen?

The soaring vocals of Londoner Shara Nelson first appeared on jazzy dance track Aiming At Your Heart in 1983, which she recorded with The Circuit aged 18.

Shara released three further solo singles during the 80s (Can’t Get Over You, Standing Invitation and Love’s Hit You) and joined Bristol DJ collective The Wild Bunch for their influential cover of The Look of Love. As the Wild Bunch morphed into Massive Attack, Shara joined them for the ride.

She sang and co-wrote four tracks on Massive Attack’s pioneering debut album Blue Lines, its grimy trip hop beats perfectly complemented by Shara’s sublime melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Her contribution to Unfinished Sympathy came as they took a tea break at Bristol’s Coach House Studio. Shara told Uncut: