THE SHOW MUST GO GREEN

The future of live music need not be an ecological disaster

- VAISHALI DAR

When we talk about how green a concert can be, Massive Attack's first homecoming gig in five years reminds us of how they broke a world record for the lowest ever carbon emissions last year. Scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in the UK reported that the Bristol festival cut emissions by being 100% battery powered and selling 100% vegan food.

They swapped generators for batteries and car parks for electric buses to offer a low-carbon blueprint for the future of live music. They were the first band globally to become members of the UN Race to Zero programme—committing all of their touring and production activities to Paris 1.5 compatible decarbonisation measures, in all scopes 1, 2 and 3—and worked together with partners UN Race To Zero, Zenobe, Ecotricity, Train Hugger and Act 1.5 to construct a unique event.

Massive Attack's singer Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, said he is "grateful to the team and the fans that produced the world-leading event".

The concert titled Act 1.5 was a one-day music festival that attracted more than 30,000 people. In fact, the band's two band members travelled to their European gigs by train and ferries. Massive Attack recently made headlines by revealing it turned down to perform in Coachella 2025 due to environmental concerns.