LIVE unveils sustainability initiative for touring artists

LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) has unveiled a new sustainability initiative. 

Led by its expert working group, LIVE Green, it will provide artists with the tools and information to include sustainability clauses in their booking contracts. 

First announced in October, the LIVE Green Clauses initiative introduced a contractual clause template for artists booking contracts, designed to galvanise industry-wide action and transform the environmental impact of live events.

It has now published an open letter to artists, inviting them to support this industry initiative and to add their voice to a petition, advocating for a more sustainable live music industry. 

Signatories of the letter can participate in ongoing activity and media coverage, or they can implement sustainable action via the clauses privately and without making a public statement if they prefer.

Madame Gandhi, former drummer for MIA, TED fellow, artist and activist, recently released her track In Purpose feat. Nature via Earth Percent and UN Live’s Sounds Right platform. 

Sampling sounds recorded in Antarctica, the track was included in this campaign to help artists and industry collaborate on the climate issue. She said in support of the open letter: “The music industry is poised to lead by example! Let’s step into our power as leaders!”

Other artists that have already added their names to the list of signatories include Bonobo, Absolute, Kosmo Kint and Narciss.

A number of talent agencies have already indicated they will propose the adoption of green clauses to their managers and artist clients (using the template to draft their own).

Alongside the clause template, LIVE Green also created a LIVE Green Resource Hub, designed to respond to the content of the clauses, which highlights considerations for addressing each individual aspect, as well as further resource and guidance from sustainability experts in the industry.

Ross Patel, LIVE Green’s impact consultant, said: “It’s been reassuring to see key players across the sector call for inclusion of the clauses and acknowledge the window of opportunity for the UK live music sector to lead on accelerating climate action. Artists signing up to the petition can now add their names to a list of changemakers. 

“We are urging artists to make their voice heard and their opinion known. They can do so privately, or they can be invited to participate in wider press and media opportunities and to be outspoken on this matter if they prefer. For decades, musicians speaking out on social justice has changed our world for the better… this is an opportunity to take a stand at a pivotal time in our history and to change our industry and our lives for the better.”

Supporters of the initiative include Earth Percent, A Greener Future, Featured Artists Coalition, Music Managers Forum, Julie’s Bicycle, Music Declares Emergency, Association For Electronic Music, Music Sustainability Alliance and Tour Production Group.

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Originally published by musicweek.com on 24th February 2025. SOURCE