Founded in 1988 in Bristol, Massive Attack is known as one of the pioneers of trip-hop, standing out not only for their music but also for their strong political stance and environmental awareness. Their “Act 1.5” festival, held in Bristol last year, set a record by producing 98% less carbon emissions compared to similar events!
So, how did they do it? Instead of diesel generators, the festival ran on battery-powered renewable energy. All food was 100% plant-based, and logistics were managed with electric vehicles, reducing catering-related emissions by 89%.
Before the event, Massive Attack collaborated with scientists to create a roadmap for “Super Low Carbon Live Music.” The result? A more sustainable, eco-friendly festival model that is now being seen as a blueprint for the future of outdoor events.
This wasn’t their first environmental initiative. In the past, they took steps to reduce their carbon footprint during the Mezzanine tour, worked with the Tyndall Centre in 2021 to develop a sustainability report for the music industry, and rejected fossil fuel sponsorships while advocating for climate action. With “Act 1.5,” they pushed the boundaries even further, proving that music events can be both groundbreaking and environmentally responsible.
Can music not only move the soul but also heal the planet? Should festivals shift in this direction?
