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This isn’t the first time the band have been involved in an event with an emphasis on climate awareness, with their last appearance in the capital coming as part of a surprise show supporting an Extinction Rebellion protest in 2019. They also commissioned a report from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in 2021 to assess the carbon footprint of live music, offering their findings out to event organisers in a bid to tackle the issues raised.   They put the report’s findings into place last year with their ‘Act 1.5’ shows in Bristol and Liverpool. They incorporated 25 measures that reduce the carbon footprint of the events, including incentives for fans cycling to the shows, serving plant-based foods, and using renewable energy.  

Speaking to NME in December, Robert Del Naja, one half of the duo, revealed that the band had turned down an offer to play Coachella 2025. He gave a damning critique of the event, saying, “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 that’s the most ludicrous bit of human behaviour – it’s right there.” Instead, they will grace a festival which has pledged to implement eco-friendly policies ranging from waste management to working with local suppliers and food partners.

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Joining Massive Attack on June 6, are French electronic act Air, Forensics (the newly announced project from Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, and producer The Alchemist), and Tirzah, though more acts will be announced before the festival. Air will also join Massive Attack at INmusic festival, taking place in Zagreb between 23 and 25 June.

LIDO isn’t the only festival that has made sustainability a major consideration. Shamabala has pioneered green initiatives, from banning meat to using alternative fuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, solar, and hybrid power instead of diesel generators. In 2023, Glastonbury had a prominent wind turbine installed that powered food stalls. LIDO takes it one step further, suggesting the festival will be powered entirely by batteries. Zenobe provided the batteries for the ‘Act 1.5’ event, repurposing batteries from electric vehicles and giving them a second life.

Massive Attack’s activism extends beyond climate concerns too, with the band canceling a show in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, in 2024. As citizens protested against intrusions on freedom of the press and LGBT rights, the band released a statement, saying “At this moment, performing at the state-owned Black Sea Arena could be seen as an endorsement of their violent crackdown against peaceful protests and civil society”.

As LIDO Festival prepares for its maiden outing, fans of Massive Attack and the wider music community will be welcoming their push for sustainability in the live music sector, and will be hopeful that the event acts as a blueprint for others to follow. 

With a completion time of just 15 minutes, this survey is designed to be accessible to all UK residents who care about the future of live music. The collected data will be utilised to advocate for change at multiple levels, from local councils to national government policies and within pockets of the industry itself. The initiative is particularly crucial as grassroots venues continue to struggle, and parts of the country become increasingly isolated from live music experiences.

https://t.co/BYZ8hwVRw7  Music Fans’ Voice is a comprehensive quantitative survey, with qualitative elements, has been designed by CGA by NiQ, and has undergone four rounds of music industry feedback, with input from members of the LIVE and UK Music trade bodies.

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

Live music venues across the UK face mounting challenges, including rising operational costs, declining venue numbers, and accessibility concerns. Reports indicate that many regions are seeing a slump in touring circuit stops, leaving entire communities without access to live performances. Addressing these concerns is a priority, and the Music Fans’ Voice Survey aims to provide the public a data driven voice in meaningful policy change.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council, Belfast City Council, and Glasgow Music City, this initiative reflects a collective effort to sustain and improve live music nationwide. It has naturally seen enthusiastic support from key UK city leaders, who have emphasised the importance of live music and this survey’s potential to shape the future of the UK music industry. 

The Music Fans’ Voice survey was commissioned by @greatermcr, @MayorofLondon, @LpoolCityRegion, @WestMids_CA, @TeesValleyCA , @CdiffMusicCity, @belfastcc and @GlasgowCC pic.twitter.com/T2E3b6JNVD

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

These leaders recognise the significance of live music in their communities and are encouraging fans to participate:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighted the cultural and economic importance of music to the region: “Music has always been central to Greater Manchester, whether through culture, identity, or its huge economic contribution. However, music is nothing without its fans. We want to hear from music fans across Greater Manchester and the country to properly understand their views and thoughts about the UK music sector.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, emphasised the urgency of supporting grassroots venues: “Our live music industry is world-renowned, with an incredible diversity of artists performing in venues of all sizes every night. However, grassroots venues continue to face significant challenges. This survey is a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to have their voices heard, helping us build a better London for everyone.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, reinforced Liverpool’s legacy in live music: “The Liverpool City Region has always been at the heart of live music in the UK, and I’m proud to support this initiative, which will give music fans a real voice in shaping the future of our vibrant music scene.”

Katie Duffy, Senior Arts and Music Programmes Manager at Glasgow Life, highlighted Glasgow’s rich music heritage: “As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers one of the most immersive live music experiences in the world. Live music is part of our city’s identity, bringing communities together, supporting jobs, and driving our visitor and night-time economies.”

 

 

 

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The Music Fans’ Voice Survey is modelled after successful Football Supporters’ Association surveys, which have significantly influenced football governance and fan engagement. By adopting a similar approach, the initiative seeks to ensure that music fans are at the heart of discussions about ticketing, venue accessibility, and the future of live performances.

Music lovers across the UK are encouraged to take part in this first-of-its-kind survey. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the policies and initiatives that will sustain and improve the UK’s live music ecosystem.

For more information and to take the survey, visit: Music Fans’ Voice Official Website.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for fans to make a real impact on the future of live music in the UK. Don’t miss your chance to have your say.