IDLES, Massive Attack and Nile Rodgers to play new Act 1.5 gigs for climate action
The gigs will take place in Liverpool later this year and follow Massive Attack's groundbreaking eco gig in Bristol last month.
IDLES, Massive Attack and Nile Rodgers are set to play gigs in Liverpool later this year to support climate action project Act 1.5.
‘Phase Two’ of the project follows Massive Attack’s pioneering hometown gig in Bristol last month, which saw the band host the lowest carbon gig of its size ever held.
The band were set to play a special Liverpool gig to present findings from their collaboration with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, where they collaborated with climate scientists and analysts to work out ways of making live performance greener. The gig ended up being cancelled due to the pandemic.
Liverpool has been announced by the United Nations today (September 24) as the world’s first ‘UN Accelerator City’ for climate action, and the November gigs will follow on from Massive Attack’s Bristol show in pioneering ways of lowering the carbon footprint of live events.
Initiatives at the shows include being powered entirely by renewable energy, public transportation incentives including a 10pm finish for fans to be able to use public transport to get home, a meat-free food menu, pre-sale periods for fans in the local area and more.
The run of gigs begin with IDLES on November 28, before Massive Attack play the following night, with Nile Rodgers & Chic closing the series on November 30.
The band’s Robert Del Naja said of the shows: “Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically. The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels.
“This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”
Nile Rodgers added: “Some of the greatest CHIC shows have taken place in Liverpool so I’m thrilled that we are bringing our funk back to the city. We love the people and it’s always a night to remember. However, the circumstances this time are special, as we’re joining forces with our friends in Massive Attack to launch Liverpool’s UN climate action programme across music and film.
“Our We Are Family Foundation community of global youth changemakers have been sounding the alarm and working in the climate change space for years, as have Massive Attack, and now it’s time for all of the music and film communities to get onboard. Yes, we’re going to have a party at Liverpool Arena, but we’re also going to act!”