Massive Attack’s Act 1.5 mini-festival at Clifton Downs set a new benchmark in fusing music with political activism and championing better environmental standards. Their show at the end of August, which we attended, was billed as the biggest low-carbon gig ever.
Sometimes politics, sustainability and music are not easy bed-fellows but Robert Del Naja (3D) has always demonstrated an unrivalled artistic ability to thread everything together with compelling storytelling.
The 'Act 1.5' name is a reference to the level of global warming that scientists define as unacceptably dangerous for humanity - it's aim is to create blueprint for eco-friendly touring: https://lnkd.in/dJQp62gX
The painstaking efforts to bring this to life through the combination of artists, exhibitions, talks and an unbelievable audio-visual display is the best I have ever seen.
Is 3D Banksy? Probably not but I think he deserves to be recognised and celebrated as an artist that challenges and shapes culture. Bravo 👏🏻
Another band that has made an impressive improvement in reducing its carbon footprint is Coldplay. In 2021 they pledged to reduce direct carbon emissions (from show production, freight, bank and crew travel) on their Music Of The Spheres Tour by 50% but they went even further with an impressive 59% reduction announced in 2024.
Coldplay have also announced that their Wembley 2025 shows will only use solar, wind and kinetic energy...again, setting new benchmarks in sustainable gigs: Find out more on their plans here: https://www.coldplay.com/emissions-update/
There are lots of other artists leading the charge on sustainable music, including Radiohead, Billie Eilish, The 1975, Ed Sheeran are just a few. Where they lead hopefully, all will follow!
What it does show, is that artists and their carefully managed brands, not only have the influence to increase awareness of environmental standards, but also demonstrate real impact too.
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