Massive Attack will be completing their European tour by train, in a bid to fight climate change. The band are well-known supporters of the anti-climate change movement and group Extinction Rebellion. MA member Robert Del Naja discussed the duo’s plans with the BBC. He said:
“[As musicians] we have enjoyed a high-carbon lifestyle. But as a society we’ve all existed in a fossil-fuel economy for a long time and had very little choice in that.”
“The challenge now is to not only make personal sacrifices, but to insist on the systemic change that’s needed. Business as usual is over.”
Massive Attack recently announced in December a ‘super low carbon’ gig in Liverpool. The event is in partnership with the Good Business Festival, a global climate change organization aiming to create positive changes from businesses. A venue and date have not yet been set.
The band intend to make their festivals carbon neutral, or as close as possible. They aim for a “dramatic reduction” in their carbon impact, from all sides of their music set up, (crew, catering, transport, merchandise, and production).
Live now -Massive Attack @ExtinctionR https://t.co/5CKXeLysD8
— sorrel (@Sorrelish) April 21, 2019
Back in April, Massive Attack performed at an Extinction Rebellion protest at London’s Marble Arch, as seen above from social media footage. A number of arrests were made earlier in the day, (April 21), with protestors being removed from Waterloo Bridge.
The ‘Paradise Circus’ duo’s performance came during the second week of non-violent civil disobedience demonstrations in the capital. Actress Emma Thompson and TV presenter/naturalist Chris Packham were among the crowds involved in the protest.
Massive Attack recently signed up to the Music Declares Emergency Campaign. Its aim is to revitalize the way in which the music industry combats climate disaster. Robyn, Mystery Jets, The Wombats, The 1975, Idles and Tom Morello also joined to show their support.
Having only launched in July, the campaign has now amassed over 2,250 artists and figures within the music industry.
In signing up, Mystery Jets singer Blaine Harrison declared: “We need to be the soundtrack to change.”
