Massive Attack has once again demonstrated their commitment to environmental activism by turning down an offer to perform at Coachella 2025.
The British trip-hop duo, Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja and Grant ‘Daddy G’ Marshall, have long been known for their groundbreaking music and staunch political activism, particularly on climate issues. Their decision underscores their concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale music events like Coachella.
In 2021, Massive Attack commissioned a study through the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, unveiling a plan to reduce carbon emissions across the music industry. This builds on their support for Extinction Rebellion and their own low-carbon Act 1.5 concert series, which aims to rethink sustainable live performances.
During a recent Act 1.5 event in Liverpool, Del Naja explained the rationale behind rejecting Coachella: “We said no to Coachella for next year because we’ve been there once, and once was enough. It’s in Palm Springs, a golf resort built on a desert, run on a sprinkler system using public water supplies. Mental. If you want to see the most ludicrous bit of human behavior, it’s right there.”
Del Naja also criticized artists performing in Las Vegas, calling it an “aviation destination” and describing The Sphere as “a brilliant bit of infrastructure in the worst possible place.” Massive Attack last performed at Coachella in 2006, four years before the release of their latest album, Heligoland (2010). Although the band has unreleased music from the past four years, a label dispute has delayed its release.
Looking ahead, Massive Attack plans to deepen their environmental efforts. They are working on a partnership with Trainline to offer discounts to Billie Eilish fans traveling by rail to her European shows.