protest concert for álafoss
02/02/2007

sigur rós will hold a concert in reykjavík on february 18th to protest the construction of a highway to be built next to their countryside studio in álafoss, iceland. the highway, which has been approved by the local authorities, will cut through the pristine area of álafoss, cherished by the townspeople of mosfellsbær for its natural beauty and historical background. the highway will run alongside sigur rós’s converted swimming pool studio and numerous other artist workshops and homes. orri told morgunblaðið newspaper today: “the ministry for the environment has stated that an evaluation of environmental impact is not warranted, which is a decision we just don’t understand and have already appealed. the highway would also go through a grove of trees, which was planted by the children of the founders of álafoss wool mill built in 1896. half these trees have been already removed in the first place. it’s such a remarkable place and played a huge role in the establishment of the town of mosfellsbær.” the concert will be held at verið in héðinshúsið (seljavegur, reykjavík) and tickets will be available on monday 12 february midi.is. all proceeds will be used to appeal the proposed highway, and to encourage the city counsel to divert the highway through a less destructive route.