Massive Attack, the renowned British trip-hop group, has declined an invitation to perform at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, citing environmental concerns. Robert Del Naja, the band's frontman, clearly expressed his apprehension about the festival's significant ecological impact, especially considering its heavy strain on water resources in the desert setting of Palm Springs.
In a recent interview, Del Naja stated, “We said no to Coachella for next year. We’ve been there once, and once was enough. It’s in Palm Springs. It’s a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system, using public water supplies. Mental. If you want to see something … —it’s right there.”
This decision aligns with Massive Attack‘s longstanding commitment to environmental activism. In 2021, the band commissioned a study through the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, aiming to reduce carbon emissions within the music industry.
Furthermore, Del Naja criticized other events in remote locations that necessitate air travel, highlighting the environmental impact of such destinations. He remarked, “That’s an aviation destination. You can’t get to Vegas [without … … What a brilliant bit of infrastructure … —in the worst setting in the world …
Despite declining the Coachella offer, Massive Attack plans to release new music next year as part of their ongoing ecological initiatives in touring.
Earlier this year, the band organized a special climate-action concert in Bristol and aimed to deliver the “lowest carbon show of its size ever staged.”
Massive Attack decision, therefore, underscores the growing awareness and heightened sense of responsibility that artists are increasingly embracing regarding the environmental impact of large-scale music festivals and events.
H/T: Pitchfork
TOMORA: A World Beyond Their Own
12 Summer Dance Anthems That Still Sound Incredible Today
