Thom Yorke, Massive Attack, Robert Smith, and Brian Eno Urge Andy Burnham to Halt Controversial Rosebank Oil Field

Leading musicians petition UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to block Rosebank oil field over climate concerns and environmental impact.

A Powerful Plea From Music Icons to Protect Our Climate

Imagine your favorite musicians uniting not just on stage but in a bold crusade to save the planet. That’s exactly what happened when Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Robert Smith from The Cure, members of Massive Attack, and producer Brian Eno joined forces with nearly 200 other artists to call on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop the controversial Rosebank oil field development in the North Sea.

This isn’t just another celebrity protest—it’s a heartfelt, urgent appeal to protect the future from fossil fuel expansion. As someone who’s followed these artists for years, it’s awe-inspiring to see their music-driven passion extend into activism that could shape the fate of our planet.

The Open Letter That Shook the Conversation

On August 17, a letter penned by Brian Eno, a legendary figure in music and environmental advocacy, was made public. Addressed directly to Andy Burnham—himself a known music fan—the letter urges him to reject the fossil fuel project, warning, “While the impacts of the climate crisis are already hurting us all, this is what you will be remembered for.”

The letter’s message is clear: approving the Rosebank oil field would not only undermine climate commitments but also betray the public’s trust.

The campaign, coordinated by Uplift and published by Earth/Percent—Brian Eno’s climate and music foundation—highlights the growing intersection between music culture and environmental activism. It’s a powerful reminder that artists aren’t just entertainers; they’re voices of conscience.

A Star-Studded Lineup Backing the Cause

Joining Thom Yorke and Brian Eno in the call are some of today’s brightest musical talents, including:

• Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream
• Ed O’Brien and Philip Selway from Radiohead
• Jacob Collier
• Anna Calvi
• Romy Croft of The XX
• Olly Alexander of Years & Years
• Paris Paloma
• Imogen Heap

These artists share a collective concern for the environment, urging leadership that will prioritize the planet over short-term profits.

Why Stop Rosebank? The Facts Behind the Opposition

The Rosebank oil field, located about 80 miles off Shetland’s coast, is the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas site. Approved in 2023 by the then Conservative government, the project has faced controversy for over twenty years—wrangling through political debates, environmental lawsuits, and public backlash.

The letter to Burnham points out that the majority of oil from Rosebank would be exported, not used domestically. This means no significant relief on energy costs or security for the UK. On top of that, the continuing decline of North Sea jobs—more than halved in the past decade—won’t be reversed by this project.

The letter urges Burnham to act in the public interest, reflecting widespread anxiety about climate change and the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependency.

Andy Burnham’s Environmental Promises Under the Spotlight

Andy Burnham isn’t a stranger to environmental issues. Back in 2025, he stood alongside Massive Attack, endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on behalf of Greater Manchester, calling it a “lifeline” for climate action.

Brian Eno, commenting on the letter, emphasized the stark choice Burnham faces: “At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism — it’s a failure to face reality. Let us hope he shows that same leadership now. The right decision is clear: reject Rosebank and invest in the clean, secure energy system we urgently need.”

Burnham’s response will be closely watched. His office has yet to provide a detailed comment on the letter, but the message from the music community is loud and clear: the time to act is now.

Government’s Position Versus Public Concern

The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero maintains that the North Sea remains critical to the nation’s energy security, supporting jobs and economic growth. They stress the continued role of oil and gas alongside a transition to clean power sources.

Yet, the artists’ letter disputes the government’s claims, pointing to the majority-export nature of Rosebank’s oil and the failure to halt job losses in the region. It’s a clash of perspectives: one rooted in traditional energy economics, the other in climate science and public will.

Climate Crisis Impacting Music and Culture Too

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be the hottest on record, with extreme weather events becoming the new norm. The Met Office notes that all of the past 11 hottest years have occurred within the last decade, painting a worrying picture for the future.

This isn’t just a crisis for the environment; it’s hitting music culture hard. Outdoor gigs and festivals across Europe have been battered by heatwaves, droughts, and storms—events like Spain’s Primavera Sound, Belgium’s Paradise City, and the Netherlands’ Defqon.1 festival have faced evacuations and cancellations due to unsafe weather.

The burning of fossil fuels directly drives these extreme weather events, making the fight against projects like Rosebank all the more urgent.

The Legal Backdrop: Rosebank’s Bumpy Road

In early 2025, a Scottish court ruled that the government’s initial approval of Rosebank was unlawful due to flawed environmental assessments. The government agreed to restart the approval process under stricter conditions.

Now, with resubmission on the table, a decision looms on whether to move forward. The artists’ letter arrives at this pivotal moment, amplifying the pressure for a climate-conscious verdict.

What’s Next for UK Music and Climate?

The letter isn’t just about stopping Rosebank—it’s part of a wider conversation about protecting culture and climate in the UK. Music industry insiders are urging Burnham to address urgent issues like ticket levies, the secondary ticketing market, AI’s impact on artists, and touring challenges post-Brexit.

The stakes are high. Music and climate activism are intertwining like never before, with artists leading the charge for a greener, fairer future.

“At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism — it’s a failure to face reality. The right decision is clear: reject Rosebank and invest in the clean, secure energy system we urgently need.”
— Brian Eno

FAQ

• What is the Rosebank oil field?
  Rosebank is the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field, located about 80 miles off the Shetland coast. It’s been the subject of debate for over two decades.
• Why are musicians opposing the Rosebank project?
  Artists like Thom Yorke and Brian Eno are concerned the project will worsen climate change by increasing fossil fuel production and emissions, conflicting with the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints.
• What arguments do industry supporters make?
  Supporters claim that Rosebank will create local jobs and boost UK energy security amid global supply disruptions.
• How does the Rosebank oil affect UK energy bills and jobs?
  The majority of Rosebank’s oil is expected to be exported, so it likely won’t reduce UK energy bills or reverse job declines in the North Sea.
• What is Andy Burnham’s stance on climate and energy?
  Burnham has endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and expressed support for climate action, but his final decision on Rosebank remains awaited.

If you’re inspired by the passion and nostalgia of these music legends standing for the planet, why not bring some of that energy into your own space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store here and keep the spirit alive!