I’ve never quite felt cool enough to listen to My Morning Jacket. They were always the band that the popular, rebellious kids in school would listen to while I’d be off in the corner dancing to the Spice Girls. But as I grew older and discovered more of their amazing music I put my fears aside and declared myself a fan.
My Morning Jacket’s performance on Earth Day marks a big moment for the Louisville, Kentucky based rock band. MMJ’s new album Waterfall is their first release in over four years and officially drops on May 4th. The band said they’re excited about performing at the concert, writing on their website:
“Friends - we're honored to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day at Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day. We look forward to raising our voices with these amazing performers to ensure that world leaders hear our call to solve climate change and end extreme poverty.”
This isn’t the first time My Morning Jacket have tried to use their music for good. On their last tour in 2010 they decided to donate a dollar of every ticket sold to local nonprofits. The band is especially passionate about organisations that work with arts education and music programs; “We feel so fortunate to get to live our dream and play music,” said lead singer Jim James, “it’s the least we can do to try and help.”
And, just a few days ago, the band shared this exciting news on their twitter in an effort to build support towards ending Ebola:
Win a backstage meet & greet at #GlobalCitizenEarthDay. Help #endebolahttp://t.co/xQptCTkg26 (T+C's http://t.co/pt5KE5yzUm)
— my morning jacket (@mymorningjacket) April 4, 2015Any MMJ fans will know that the band’s long awaited album and upcoming tour are a big deal. But it’s an even bigger deal to get to see the band live and rocking out after all these years in support of a movement to solve climate change and end extreme poverty.