Several artists such as Massive Attack, Billie Eilish, and Coldplay have been vocal about the environmental impact of the music industry and have taken steps to address these concerns. The British band Massive Attack has long been at the forefront of addressing environmental concerns within the music industry.
In 2021, they commissioned a report from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to assess the carbon footprint of live music and provide recommendations for reducing emissions. In August 2024, they organized a show in Bristol named ‘Act 1.5’ implementing 25 measures to minimize carbon emissions, including promoting local attendance, utilizing renewable energy, and serving plant-based foods.
In line with their environmental advocacy, Massive Attack recently declined an invitation to perform at Coachella 2025. Frontman Robert Del Naja criticized the festival’s location in Palm Springs, highlighting the excessive use of public water supplies in a desert area and its basis in a golf resort. He described the situation as “ludicrous” and indicative of irresponsible human behaviour.
Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack have revealed that they rejected an offer to play Coachella 2025 on environmental grounds.
“A brilliant bit of infrastructure in the worst possible place it could be — in the worst setting in the world.”
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— Far Out Magazine (@FarOutMag) December 18, 2024
Looking ahead to 2025, Massive Attack plan to release new music that has been ready since 2020 but was delayed due to record label disputes. Additionally, they are collaborating with artists like Billie Eilish to promote sustainable touring practices, such as encouraging the use of rail travel for concert attendees. Billie Eilish has also been a prominent advocate for environmental sustainability within the music industry. The American singer criticised practices such as producing multiple vinyl editions for albums, highlighting the associated resource wastage. Eilish has also expressed her disdain for lengthy concerts, referring to them as “psychotic”, which some interpreted as a critique of industry norms. For her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour’, Eilish has introduced several eco-friendly measures: Fans are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to concerts, the tour provides information on sustainable travel methods to venues, such as biking, walking, or public transportation, to minimize carbon emissions, plan-based food is offered, and merchandise associated with the tour is produced using environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled cotton and plant-based inks, to lessen environmental impact.
Some of the things Billie Eilish has done for the environment — a thread pic.twitter.com/zTRsdlny83 — (@theprfctpony) March 28, 2024
The British band Coldplay has planned residencies, such as a 10-night stint at Wembley Stadium, instead of traditional tours to minimize carbon emissions. Additionally, for their album ‘Moon Music’ (2024), they have produced vinyl records made from recycled plastic bottles, further supporting their eco-friendly initiatives. During their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour, which will continue into 2025, Coldplay committed to reducing direct CO₂ emissions by over 50% compared to their previous tour in 2016/17. They achieved a 59% reduction, surpassing their initial goal. This accomplishment was verified by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative.
Other artists such as Missy Higgins, the Australian singer-songwriter, has equally aimed for her tours to be carbon neutral and was named one of Billboard magazine’s Top 10 Green Artists in 2007.
The environmental pressure group, Music Declares Emergency, launched in July 2019, comprises musicians and music industry professionals advocating for climate action. Signatories include artists across various genres and organizations such as Abbey Road Studios and major record labels. Their aims include encouraging the music industry to innovate practices to reduce carbon footprints and engaging communities in climate discussions. These artists and organizations exemplify the growing movement within the music industry to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.
