3 musicians rocking their environmental impact

Key takeaways

• The UK music industry alone emits 540,000 tons of greenhouse gases.
• Some musicians are trying to reduce their impact by cutting tour emissions and using recycled materials.

While the world holds its breath wondering if the Gallagher brothers can keep the peace during their big reunion next year, or if Britpop style will make a comeback, there’s an alarming reality to consider: the UK music industry alone emits 540,000 tons of greenhouse gases, about the same as 60,000 households. [1]

Taylor Swift, another big name getting everyone holding their breath to sing her hits at the top of their lungs, is also tied to some alarming data. Her frequent private jet flights have led UK marketing agency Yard to name her the #1 celebrity CO2 polluter in 2022, with emissions reported to be 1,100 times higher than an average person. [2]

Despite the buzz, it looks like it’s not been a “cruel summer” after all. The pop star is counterbalancing her jet-set lifestyle with carbon offsets – certificates tied to projects that reduce CO2 emissions. It’s a step in the right direction, but many believe there’s still more to be done. [3]

Meanwhile, some musicians are already taking concrete actions to cut their environmental footprint. Let’s check out who’s leading the way and what they’re up to!

1. Massive Attack 

From the UK come many of the bands taking steps in the right direction, like Massive Attack, who have long been campaigning on environmental issues. In 2018, they swapped out planes for trains for their European tour. [4]
In 2025, they will be doing an epic homecoming show set to be the lowest-carbon concert of its kind ever. The concert will run entirely on battery and solar power, including production, catering, and lighting. Plus, locals from Bristol and nearby counties will get priority access to tickets. [5]
We’re curious how fans will travel to the concert of this other British band…

2. Coldplay

As you book your train ticket for their next concert, here’s something to feel even better about: in 2021, the band dropped a game-changing 12-point plan to cut their touring carbon footprint by 50%. Today, they’re rocking a 59% reduction in CO2 emissions from their “Music of the Spheres” tour compared to their last world tour. [6]

They’ve turned fan energy into power with dancefloors that generate electricity when people jump and cut down on air travel. Plus, they’ve planted seven million saplings, committing to grow a tree for every fan who’s been to their shows. [7]
On top of that, they also funded two solar-powered “ocean cleanup river interceptors” to tackle plastic pollution. [8]

Now that’s how you make music with a purpose, just like our last singer. 

3. Billie Eilish 

The acclaimed American pop star has released her new album “Hit Me Hard And Soft” on vinyl packaging made entirely from recycled materials. [9]

But that’s not all – she also launched a global conference called Overheated, dedicated to finding solutions for the climate crisis and highlighting the impact young people can make. [10]
And when it comes to tour merch, she’s all about environmental consciousness too. At her next concert, expect gear made from leftover stock, organic or recycled polyester and cotton. [11]

Conclusion 

As Massive Attack’s singer, Robert del Naja, told the BBC: “Live music must drastically reduce all primary emissions and take account of fan travel.” [12] Well, now it really has to be said: it’s music to our ears.

A sneak peek to our next article

In our next article, we’ll uncover the 3 stereotypes you didn’t know people have about sustainability. Stay tuned to find out more!

[1]“The Environmental Sustainability of the Music Industries”, University of Glasgow, available at: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/218582/7/218582.pdf. 

[2]“Taylor Swift claims she offsets her travel carbon footprint – how does that work?”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240213-taylor-swift-private-jet-flight-travel-carbon-footprint 

[3]Taylor Swift claims she offsets her travel carbon footprint – how does that work?”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240213-taylor-swift-private-jet-flight-travel-carbon-footprint 

[4]“The band that doesn’t want you to drive to their concerts”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240717-the-band-that-doesnt-want-you-to-travel-for-their-tour 

[5]“Massive Attack to play huge 2024 show on Bristol Downs”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-67617094 

[6]“Coldplay say they have beaten eco-touring targets”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ggj56wzg1o 

[7]“Coldplay say they have beaten eco-touring targets”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ggj56wzg1o 

[8]“Coldplay say they have beaten eco-touring targets”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ggj56wzg1o 

[9]“Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft album to have eco-friendly release plan”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68768414

[10] “Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft album to have eco-friendly release plan”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68768414

[11]“Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft album to have eco-friendly release plan”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68768414

[12]Massive Attack to play huge 2024 show on Bristol Downs”, BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-67617094 

AUTHOR: Federica Paolucci