Massive Attack: “No to Coachella, it’s not good for the environment”

In early 2023, i Massive Attackthe famous Bristol band, have returned to performing live after a five-year absence.

Robert Del Najamember of the group also known as 3Drevealed that they received an offer to perform at Coachella festivalbut they refused, arguing that this type of festival is not environmentally sustainable. Del Naja highlighted the negative impact of the desert setting of Palm Springs, where the festival takes place, describing the location as a golf resort that uses public water resources questionably.

In an interview with NME, Del Naja explained that the decision to reject Coachella was influenced by their previous experience and awareness of the environmental issues associated with events of this type. He also mentioned that Massive Attack would not even perform at a residency in Las Vegas, despite the attractiveness of a technologically advanced infrastructure, due to the inadequate location and unfavorable environmental conditions.

Also in the interview with the English newspaper, Del Naja spoke about the sustainability initiative linked to the European tour of Billie Eilishwhich plans to encourage the use of trains for concerts by offering discounts on train tickets for those who purchase a concert ticket. This project was started thanks to Maggie Baird, Billie Eilish’s mother, who contacted Mark Watson of C40 Cities to organize the initiative.

Finally, Del Naja revealed that Massive Attack are working on new music, after a four-year hiatus, and hope to release it in 2025, if they can resolve a dispute with their record label.