Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack, has announced that the group has declined an invitation to perform at Coachella in 2025, criticizing the festival for its environmental impact. He described Coachella as “humankind’s most ridiculous act,” particularly due to the ecological harm associated with hosting the event in a desert area reliant on a public water supply and golf course maintenance.
In an interview with NME, Del Naja emphasized that Massive Attack is committed to participating in events that do not exacerbate the climate crisis, even if it means passing on lucrative opportunities from major promoters. He expressed his resolve to make such choices and noted that their prior experience at Coachella was sufficient.
Del Naja also discussed the complications surrounding sustainability within the context of Las Vegas residencies. He pointed out that the city’s reliance on aviation transport contributes to significant indirect emissions. He warned that although a fixed residency may reduce direct travel impacts, it still poses challenges regarding overall sustainability due to the travel required for both artists and fans.
Recently, Massive Attack has taken initiatives focused on environmental issues, including the Climate Action Accelerator events. One noteworthy event was a large outdoor concert in Bristol, England, which was powered entirely by renewable energy last summer.