Greenpeace takes aim at “fossil fuel party” with star-studded Fleetwood Mac cover

Greenpeace’s latest campaign is part film, part activist anthem. The campaigning network has teamed up with Mother and director Samona Olanipekun of Lammas Park – Steve McQueen’s production company – for Don’t Stop, a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s single of the same name. The accompanying short film comes in at over seven minutes and features several major industry names, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of climate activists.

In the film, the Greenpeace cover version of Don’t Stop, produced by Fraser T Smith, is performed at a party to a disinterested, affluent audience. As the short progresses, scenes in the kitchen deteriorate; pots bubble over, the sink overflows and water leaks onto the plush carpet. But the partygoers are drunk and having too good of a time to notice.

“The world is suffering some of its deadliest ever heatwaves, wildfires, floods and typhoons,” say the closing credits. “Meanwhile, oil companies are enjoying record profits. It’s not too late to stop the fossil fuel party.”

While the film clearly leverages big names and an accessible format to get across its message, Greenpeace also acknowledges the limitations of the approach in the film: “Change doesn’t come from songs and platitudes, it comes from changes in laws and attitudes.” It also encourages action, inviting audiences to add their names to this petition. The film will air at Glastonbury Festival (which runs from 21 to 26 June) on main stage screens throughout the weekend.

“This short film is an arresting look at the state of a world hurtling out of control,” says executive producer Steve McQueen. “I’m so proud to have been involved in this project with Greenpeace and Samona, who’s once again shown what a talented writer and director he is. It captures the unease at seeing corporations (especially those of oil and gas) and their enablers, do damage to the environment on our behalf, acting like there’s no tomorrow and driving the climate crisis solely for their profit. But we have collective power to realise a different future. It’s imperative that people don’t forget, tomorrow is promised to no-one.”