While bands across America have responded to the disaster in the Gulf by pledging donations from concerts or organizing benefits, a new effort is underway to boycott BP products altogether for the 2010 tour season.

 

Pop icon Lady Gaga is the latest to sign on to an initiative started by heavy metal group KORN. Other acts going "BP Free" during their tours include Disturbed, Rise Against, Godsmack, Backstreet Boys, Rock Star Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, Slightly Stoopid, Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Black Label Society with Zakk Wylde, Anthrax, Creed, Filter, Hellyeah and Flogging Molly.

 

"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to the environment in U.S. history," said Jonathon Davis of KORN. "From everything we're hearing about now, it's become clear that BP cut corners to put profit ahead of safety. The message we are sending should tell all the oil companies to spend the money and take the necessary precautions to make sure this doesn't happen again. I'm really proud that this many artists have already come on board, and I hope more will join soon."

 

While some of the acts above may not be recognizable, it's important to note that a few days ago KORN and The Backstreet Boys were the only ones involved. The potential for this to snowball and include even more mainstream tours is huge— especially as the summer drags on and the oil continues to flow.

 

KORN estimates that close to 100 vehicles, trucks and buses from the committed artists will be involved in the boycott this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if fans latch onto the idea as well.

 

What do you think? Is a boycott of BP by music groups a good idea? Or, as some have suggested, should we continue to purchase fuel from the oil giant so that it can remain solvent and able to fund the cleanup in the Gulf for years to come?