Robert Del Naja, frontman of Massive Attack, recently sat down with NME to discuss the band’s climate activism, plans for new music, and the ethical decisions shaping their live shows. Speaking at the Act 1.5 “climate action accelerator” event in Liverpool, Del Naja also reflected on the band’s refusal to play Coachella 2025 and their efforts to integrate sustainability into global tours.
Leading the Charge on Climate Action
Massive Attack have been vocal about their commitment to tackling the climate crisis. At the Act 1.5 event, they highlighted innovative approaches like:
- Carbon-conscious gigs: Shows powered by renewable energy and offering free public transport with ticket purchases.
- Knowledge sharing: The Act 1.5 initiative aims to make its resources accessible to other artists and cities, encouraging widespread adoption.
Del Naja stressed the importance of storytelling in combating climate disinformation:
“It’s about breaking free from the mindset. We need to turn the imagination of this sector into action.”
New Music Coming in 2025
Fans of Massive Attack have reason to celebrate, as Del Naja revealed:
- The band has been “sitting on” new material for four years due to label disputes.
- Plans are in place to release it in 2025, alongside a series of live gigs.
- On revisiting the tracks: “I hate sitting on stuff for too long… but it’s good. I’m looking forward to it!”
Ethical Touring and Turning Down Coachella
Massive Attack turned down Coachella 2025, citing the festival’s unsustainable location in Palm Springs.
- Del Naja’s critique:“It’s in a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system, using public water supplies. If you want to see the most ludicrous bit of human behaviour—it’s right there.”
- The band aims to continue setting a high bar for sustainability in live music.
Collaborating with Billie Eilish
Massive Attack have also been in talks with Billie Eilish’s team about applying the Act 1.5 framework to her 2025 European tour, including rail travel discounts for fans.
On the Future of Climate Action in Music
Del Naja emphasized the urgency of unified action:
“This is the battle for existence. The human race doesn’t work as a species of individuals. We have to work together.”
The Bigger Picture
Massive Attack’s dedication to sustainable touring and their stance against unsustainable practices are paving the way for a greener live music industry. With new music on the horizon, the band’s activism and artistry continue to leave an indelible mark.
Source: NME
