Christopher BarrettMusic Declares Emergency (MDE) launched fan-engagement initiative Fan Club For Climate during a show by Paramore at the OVO Hydro (cap. 14,300) on Monday, 17 April. It will also be working with the band to promote the scheme at its show at The O2 arena (20,000) on 23 April.
MDE said the Fan Club For Climate is designed to encourage music fans to join artists in their call for governments and business leaders worldwide to take action on climate change.
The scheme had a beta launch last summer, and has since gained more than 1,000 members who have pledged to work with MDE. Early sign ups were enabled via partnerships with Festival Republic’s Reading & Leeds festivals, and the bands Yungblud and The 1975.
The initiate enables members to create their own spaces and communities across music venues, towns, and universities and via online platforms, internationally. Fans will gain exclusive access to ticket giveaways and prizes from industry donors and be encouraged to come together to take monthly challenges related to the climate emergency.
More details can be found here.
The Scottish Exhibition Centre’s OVO Hydro became the first arena worldwide to be awarded A Greener Arena (AGA) status last April.
OVO Hydro director of live entertainment Debbie McWilliams said, “With the fight against climate change top of our agenda, we are always looking for ways we can support initiatives and organisations who share the same goal. As an industry, we have the power and influence to make real change and we are proud to be a venue pushing the agenda forward in the global entertainment space.”
Founded in 2019, Music Declares Emergency is led by a team including Savages drummer Fay Milton, folk artist Sam Lee, music industry professionals including Ninja Tune’s Peter Quicke and environmental specialists such as Julie’s Bicycle music lead Chiara Badiali. It is backed by acts including Mogwai, Annie Lenox and Massive Attack.