Mike Shinoda Of Linkin Park Responds To Ecorazzi

11
by Rebecca Carter October 30, 2007
Categories: Music.

Linkin Park, Projekt Revolution Tour Bus

It’s always a pleasure when some of the influential people we write about actually respond to articles. Mike Shinoda of the Linkin Park recently commented on his MySpace page about Ecorazzi and my critique of the “visible greening” of their Projekt Revolution tour.

Here’s an excerpt of what I originally had to say:

“As for the “visible” greening of the event, it was non-existent. Garbage cans everywhere. Recycling bins no where. Garbage cans didn’t even seem available on the lawn, where the general admission seating was located. And then, miraculously, as we were walking out the gates at the end of the concert, there they stood, a line of concert-workers armed with recycling bins. I doubt they worked, however…there were no trash cans to be found. That means that probably everything went into the bin, rendering the recycling function absolutely worthless.”

Here’s Mike’s reaction:

dear ecorazzi,

thanks for covering my band and projekt revolution on your site. i thought all the bands rocked equally, but i respect your preference for MCR (gerard is quite dreamy).

toward the end of your piece, it mentioned the lack of recycling bins and appearance of trash on the ground at the florida show. an assumption was made that this trash was either left on the ground or thrown into a standard bin (and you know what assuming does; it makes an a–nevermind). i’d like to clear that issue up.

before the tour, we were extremely assertive with our promoters and venues about making the events more green, and got the following assurances: 1.) many venues on the tour would put out recycle bins, 2.) almost all other venues have an existing policy of SEPARATING ALL TRASH POST-EVENT (this part made me really happy), and 3.) to the best of their ability, they wouldn’t leave trash on the ground post-show…after all, they have events all week, and it would be terrible for business.

the great news about post-show sorting is that most concertgoers, being wrapped up in the excitement of the day, usually accidentally throw non-recycle stuff in the recycle can, and vice verse. the venues that sort post-show are actually likely to have the most efficient system.

hope that clears things up. if you have any more questions, feel free to contact our management.

thanks,
mike shinoda
linkin park

Click below to read our reply to Mike Shinoda:

Mike, first of all, thanks for your post. It’s always nice to not only know that the people we are writing about are reading, but that they care enough to respond. I appreciate you clearing up the “post-event” separation of the trash/recycling. You’re correct, many venues do this…and it’s quite necessary.

I’ve only seen front end recycling work at one large scale event, and that was Live Earth. And the only reason it worked was that there were volunteer “trash police” standing at every receptacle, telling the attendees where to toss their items.

However, it doesn’t change my complaint about the event. I wanted to see more “visible” greening. I wanted educational booths. I wanted enough trash cans around the venue to avoid littering issues. And yes, I wanted recycling bins…at least to be available.

When Michael told me this morning that Linkin Park was mad at me, I was a little concerned about what I had written. Sometimes we can go overboard around here. It had been a while, so I went back and read my post. I was fairly pleased with my original assessment. It was a great time. And though MCR surprised me by being my “fave”…I did also really enjoy the Linkin Park performance. I was extremely pleased about the biodiesel, and the fact that my friends were able to provide it. And I even stuck up for the fact that B20 was used, even though I think it’s a shame…because I understand about the underlying issues.

And I guess, looking at it that way, there are many reasons that “front end” recycling would be difficult at this, or to replicate at every, venue. I was just hoping for something – something to visually show that this was a “green” event.

It’s possible that I’m asking too much. Maybe not every band that wants to tour green needs to be an environmental activist, spreading the word to their fans. If I want to live eco-friendly at home but not talk to every person on the street about it, that’s my right. And it’s your right, too, Mike.

But when a concert is publicized as being green, special press releases are issued regarding this greening, and free passes are given to me because I write about celebrities going green, I’m going to look for the ideal situation. I thought that many eco-aspects of the concert were great. But if I hadn’t received all of those press releases, I doubt I would have known anything, just by walking around.

Anyway, you still made a fan out of me. Thanks for reading, and please let us know if you would ever like more ideas on how to take it to the next level.

Rebecca Carter

Co-Founder, Ecorazzi.com


Categories: Music.

About Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter is the Co-Founder of Ecorazzi. Rebecca was recently featured in the book Hot, Rich, and Green. She is one of 70 eco-achievers featured in Glamour magazine in April 2009, named Best of Green 2010 by Miami Magazine and Best Environmentalist by Miami New Times Best of 2008. She's raising a couple of little boys in Miami and speaks English & Spanish. Find out more at www.RebeccaCarter.net. Follow Rebecca on Twitter: @rebeccacarter

View all posts by Rebecca Carter →
  • http://www.hi5-codes.com/ Hi5 Codes

    Nice… attempt at making it greener. PSH.

  • J

    Keep pushing for it- we’re seeing results despite your disappointment. With celebrities responding to and respecting our green expectations, it can only get better.

  • Pingback: chester-land.com » Ecorazzi Responds to Mike’s blog | A Chester Bennington’s fan-site

  • http://musicforrelief.org Anna

    Two important facts about all the Projekt Revolution Tour and greening:

    1. Music For Relief had an information booth set up at every venue where people could get information on global warming and what they could do to help lower their carbon footprint.

    2. For every ticket sold, a dollar was donated to American Forests to plant a tree.

    Visit http://www.musicforrelief.org for more information.

  • http://www.myspace.com/nitefliteimagery Kim Kelterborn – Nite Flite Imagery

    Sorry I get long-winded for those things in which I believe in….

    I am a photo journalist here in Atlanta, Georgia and I have to hand it to you, I attended and wrote articles on Projekt Revolution Atlanta, Georgia and on Echo Project, South Atlanta, Georgia. I have been to several shows that profess to be “Green” only to use this as the latest catch phrase to capitalize upon it as if it were some new industry. I was so impressed with Projekt Revolution and MFR that I have offered to continue to spread the word and solicit donation and support, as I challenge all you fans and Street Team Members to do as well. The Echo Project was also an amazing set up as well (great artist management), lacking on the educational resources though. Projekt Revolution promoting and supporting Music for Relief’s affiliated organizations, for the dates I attended had a significant presence of educated people available with one goal in mind, not just to get a free ticket to a concert. They believed in the cause they were representing, which was refreshing.
    For Projekt Revolution Atlanta I had photographer access, which means for those that are not aware you are escorted out after the 3rd (if your lucky) song of the headlining band. Yet, being a Linkin Park fan and knowing the faces at the venue I had no issue re-entering. Also, there was a little part of me that wanted to see what the promoted “Green” measures were, and if they were actually implemented beyond the sight of the band. I personally stayed late watching to see what measures were taken. To my complete shock I saw groups of people not only venue employees out cleaning up the lawn of HiFi Buys Amphitheatre of plastic margarita glasses, cups, trash everywhere all being cleaned up by whomever was willing to help. I was so impressed and moved by this that I, who won’t even eat at buffets nor have ever considered drinking after anyone I have ever dated, grabbed a bag and pitched in. Yes there are people employed to do this, but at what point do we accept a little accountability for what we’ve done. I can’t speak for the Bio-Diesel busses, personally I wouldn’t know one from your everyday school bus or if cans got mixed with plastic, but the effort has to count for something. But I can speak to what I did see and know to be true. I have a true and profound respect for what was done and how it was done at these two events. I only hope that other tours, bands, artists will open their eyes and get on board. I want to say a huge thank you for the organization and effort it must have taken to put the Projekt Revolution tour with such an astounding lineup to attract so many, and use it as an opportunity to educate people that are so willing to make a difference, and just looking for an outlet or a cause.

    To everyone involved that helped pull off such an incredible show city after city, night after night, all the while making it look easy, from a long time fan, journalist, photographer and everyday person THANK YOU!!!!

    To “ecorazzi” don’t just focus on what wasn’t idyllic. How many other artists out there can you say they have attempted to highlight these environmental issues and raise awareness to victims of disaster (tsunami, hurricanes and now the fires in California) or to put themselves out there to say it may not be the popular choice right now but “we’ll make a difference”. We as a civilization are finally coming to grips with what we have done to ourselves and the environment. We are in the process of wasting away our natural resources, and turning a blind eye to the pain, suffering, and loss of those around us. Yet getting up every morning and looking ourselves in the mirror as if there’s nothing we can do about it. The next time you look in the mirror ask yourself, “what have you done”? (no pun intended). I’m not saying Mike Shinoda should be out sorting the recycling after a show either; artists in the spotlight have such a unique opportunity. They can use the stage they have built from their talent if they choose not just to further their own careers but to make a difference, kudos to them, if for nothing else but to make you think. Which judging from your response to the tour, it did. You may not agree with how certain portions ended, but are you saying it didn’t work let’s just disregard the idea/concept. Your right it’s not enough there’s really no way we could go back in time and erase all that we’ve done. What we can do is use the outlets we are given to promote a positive change.

  • Tami

    There was a booth set up. Linkin Park’s Music For Relief had a booth set up, as was mentioned above. I worked in one in San Antonio. And, to be fair, I looked around and saw no recycling bins and brought it up to one of the crew guys that was responsible for the MFR booth. He said they requested them at every venue, and most of them didn’t comply. But, that they did what they could, I think was satisfying enough.

    The day I worked for MFR we raised over $1,700 selling bandanas and bracelets, and that money went to American Forests and to MFR’s Habitat for Humanity houses in New Orleans. Also, Linkin Park were selling digital recordings of their live show that night and art books, printed on recycled paper, and the proceeds of all of those went to American Forests and MRF, as well.

    I was surprised at the lack of recycling bins, but in the end, I was completely satisfied that they were doing their best, especially when I read what Mike said about them sorting the trash at the end of the night.

  • http://www.ecorazzi.com rebecca

    Kim, “You may not agree with how certain portions ended, but are you saying it didn’t work let’s just disregard the idea/concept.”

    I’m not saying it didn’t work. I’m saying I would have liked to have seen more. Many parts did seem to work, and kudos to that. If you saw more greening at your dates, then that’s great to hear.

    Thanks for your comments. Keep ‘em coming.

    Everyone,
    I still don’t think I’m being negative to the overall concept. I think it’s a great first step. But isn’t it okay to constantly be pushing the envelope and ask for more? I would love it if all bands and tours did as much as PR…it would make a huge impact. So would extra fan education. That’s all I’m saying.

  • http://www.ecorazzi.com rebecca

    Anna, thanks for the info. Keep up the great work at Music for Relief.

  • http://www.30yearstosavetheworld.blogspot.com allena

    I think he made some valid points and I commend him for trying. I understand your points, too, but please don’t discourage. Perhaps EcoRazzi canvolunteer to be the first educational booth at the next projeckt?

  • Pingback: Linkin Park Prepares To Launch Another Green Tour // Archives // ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

  • beautiful

    MIKE SHINODA is so creative no wounder we luv him so much no matter but wat MIKE do in his life is so cool cause MIKE is c cool guy to have in the band MIKE is like someone you can have with and do all these creatives thing with him but there no one can be like MIKE SHINODA

« PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST »