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As Chris Martin of Coldplay sings in ‘The Scientist’, ‘Questions of science, science and progress’/ In another line, he sings ‘Nobody says it was easy’ – which could be used to describe the band’s decision to take a break from touring…until they figure out how to have solar-powered concerts and eliminate single-use plastic, as various news sources have reported.  Well, at least they’re doing it to be more environmentally conscious.

Reading this led me to discover other musicians/artists who have done their part (and are still doing) for the environment.

• Radiohead, an English rock band, known for their rather distinctive approaches in dealing with song structure, ship their instruments instead of flying them. Additionally, they opt for drinking from flasks instead of disposable cups. In fact, for one of their music videos, they used lidar technology rather than electricity to create lights.

• KT Tunstall works with a company to help record her environmental impact on tour. The Scottish singer even planted 1,500 trees. Her stage name was inspired by another singer-songwriter’s discovery – the point where dinosaurs began to be extinct.
• For former professional surfer Jack Johnson, he initiated a bicycle valet programme to encourage concert-goers to use the particular mode of transport. When on tour, he would also pick caterers who have locally-sourced, organically-grown food.
• Pearl Jam, the American rock band, continues to enlist the help of an environmental scientist to calculate how much carbon dioxide is generated from every tour they make. In 2009, the band even sponsored a leatherback turtle as part of the leatherback turtle race that year. They also insist that their CD production process does not involve the use of harmful chemicals and substances.
• Paul McCartney and his family are vegetarians. In 2017, as part of a campaign, the former member of ‘The Beatles’ narrated a short film through which the message conveyed was to consume less meat, beginning by picking a day from the week and consciously choosing to go meatless for 24 hours.

Psst… Psst… I’m also trying to cut down on streaming (music) because I heard that it adds to the carbon footprint.

Oh, by the way, Coldplay released their new single ‘Daddy’ 21 November 2019.

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