This is the predicament Radiohead have found themselves in, a contemorary problem they have been wrestling with for some time now. In 2003 the seminal Oxford quintet commissioned carbon footprint analysts Best Foot Forward to calculate the carbon impact of two of their US tours, and their findings were conclusive. Fans travelling to and from gigs make the greatest impact on the CO2 generation of a tour.

Therefore, on their forthcoming 2008 European excursion, the band have chosen venues with good public transport links as well as providing helpful and concise travelling details on their website, created by AMEE - the world’s energy meter, to make it easier for gig goers. All Radiohead ask for in return is that fans think about how they travel to and from shows, and wherever possible, attempt to reduce their carbon emissions by taking some easy steps. By entering data on the band’s website, fans will not only have visibility of their own CO2 footprint, but Radiohead will use the broad statistical data gathered to plan future initiatives and improve energy efficiency.

Potential attendees are implored to leave their cars at home, or if that’s not possible, share lifts with other fans in a concerted effort to cause less impact on the environment.

Radiohead are no strangers to innovation. The release of their latest album, ‘In Rainbows’, was a world first, in that the band offered the public the option of downloading their music and paying what they deemed a reasonable price. Few experiments have rocked the music industry so profoundly, and the fall out may be a clear significant indication of how the future will pan out. And now Radiohead are getting in on the act in the live arena. And when Radiohead do something, anything, then the rest of World Pop sits up and takes notice.

For more information go to: http://www.radiohead.com/themostgiganticflyingmouthforsometime/

For a copy of the report go to: http://www.radiohead.com/radiohead_bff.zip

Radiohead’s European Dates are:

June 6th - Malahide, Dublin, Ireland
June 7th - Malahide, Dublin, Ireland
June 9th - Bercy, Paris, France
June 10th - Bercy, Paris, France
June 12th - Daydream Festival, Primavera Sounds, Barcelona
June 14th - Nimes Arena, France
June 15th - Nimes Arena, France
June 17th - Civica Arena, Milan, Italy
June 18th - Civica Arena, Milan, Italy
June 20th - Southside Festival, Germany
June 22nd - Hurricane Festival, Germany
June 24th - Victoria Park, London, UK
June 25th - Victoria Park, London, UK
June 27th - Glasgow Green, Scotland
June 29th - Manchester LCCC, UK
July 1st - Westerpark, Amsterdam, Holland
July 3rd - Roskilde Festival, Denmark
July 5th - Werchter Festival, Belgium
July 6th - Arras Festival, France
July 8th - Berlin Wuhlheide, Germany
For ticket details go to: http://www.radiohead.com/tourdates/