KU Leuven and AB examine societal challenges and search for solutions through the lens of music and nightlife culture. Up next: a panel discussion about the importance of sustainable touring.

This debate is organised in collaboration with VI.BE.

Climate change hovers above us like a storm cloud. The music sector, like the rest of the world, has to switch to a more eco-friendly alternative to the status quo. In particular, investing in the sustainability of live performances and, consequently, domestic and international touring, can drastically lower the environmental footprint of the music sector.

Touring is indispensable to the survival of an artist, but it can and must be made greener. More and more bands are committing themselves to touring sustainably and communicating openly about it. Take Radiohead, for example; it was the first major band to measure the CO2 emissions of its own activities and put the concept of ‘green touring’ on the agenda. Things are also changing closer to home. For years now, the West Flemish band Het Zesde Metaal has been taking a more sustainable path. Frontman Wannes Cappelle will join to tell us more.

The responsibility to tour more sustainably lies not only in the hands of artists. Festivals, concert venues and visitors all need to limit their environmental footprint. In what ways is this already happening? Where is this investment in the future taking place? We lend an ear to Jamal Chalabi (A Greener Tour, tour manager of Massive Attack) and Marlene Boere (ESNS Green Touring Support), who form part of a network of domestic and international organisations that are working to transform every aspect of the live music industry into something more sustainable.

Higher up, no vision or strategy has been formulated thus far; no European or national legislation exists to regulate touring bands. Are the Belgian and European governments doing enough to support the live music sector in its sustainable transformation? Johan Eyckmans, professor in economics and corporate sustainability at KU Leuven Brussels Campus, joins us in this debate.

Panel:

• Moderator: Michèle Cuvelier (Studio Brussel)
• Wannes Cappelle (Het Zesde Metaal)
• Johan Eyckmans (KU Leuven)
• Marlene Boere (ESNS Green Touring Support)
• Claire O’Neil (A Greener Festival)

With a keynote from Jamal Chalabi (A Greener Tour, Tour manager of Massive Attack, Pendulum, Bring Me The Horizon, and more)

This event is organised by AB, KU Leuven and VI.BE in celebration of the Dag van de Wetenschap (Science Day).