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Dave Matthews Advocates the End of Mountaintop Removal Mining

Dave MatthewsBetween their work with environmental non-profit Reverb in 2006 and the Bama Works Fund, Dave Matthews Band have been known to advocate saving the environment. One issue that frontman Dave Matthews resonates with is the destruction occurring in the Appalachian Mountains.

"With mountaintop removal, it's gone to this whole different level, this aggressive, ambitious destruction of the landscape. It just needs to be stopped. It's unforgivable behavior," Matthews told the Natural Resources Defense Council last month before playing "Music Saves Mountains," a benefit show to stop the destruction of the Appalachians. The concert also featured Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Tift Merritt and several other well-known artists.

Matthews, who annually visits West Virginia, where much of the mining takes place, explained that people's indifference and inaction allows coal companies to profit from ruining the mountains "We allow greed to have the loudest voice far too often and all too often we let that go on for too long," he said.

Matthews also believes that the coal mining companies are fully aware of what their actions can do to the environment but that money is what's fueling them to continue. "They know they're polluting the water," he said. "They know they're making the children sick. They know it's happening. They're just going to deny it as long as they can. It's all about a profit."

While he isn't picketing for hours on end, Matthews has seen music as a way to make people listen and raise the awareness of any issue.

"Music has a way of turning people's heads," he said. "All I have to do is come and sing a song to make more people turn in this direction, because that's what we have to do is just raise awareness. Once you educate people about the truth, people are less inclined to defend less reputable people and practices."

Check out the rest of Matthews interview below.

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Erica

I just want to say Thank you to Dave Matthews and the other celebs who are bringing attention to MTR. I am a "coal field" resident and surrounded by MTR and have contaminated well water as well as a terrible road and dust problems. I have a little girl who loves to take baths but cannot due to the ORANGE water we have. So THANK YOU for speaking out maybe someone will listen to you because nobody has listened to us.

June 24 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deda

It is great that Mr Mathews and friends speak out and play to bring attention to this cause, but I believe they can do so much more. By playing in the venues they play in and going on large tours they are not supporting the end to this sort of mining in the sense that they are using immense amounts of energy from these corporations. I challenge them to find ways to change this aspect of their touring and performing habits while continuing their support for the cause! Thank You!!! I am a neighbor of West Virginia and I like the "Wild and Wonderful" to remain of earth's nature.

June 24 2010 at 4:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply