Derrick Green, the formidable voice behind the legendary Brazilian metal band Sepultura, stands as a towering figure in both the music world and the vegan community. For nearly three decades, Green’s versatile vocals have been instrumental in shaping Sepultura’s modern sound, a testament to his enduring artistic evolution. As the band embarks on its poignant "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell world tour, culminating in a final, emotional performance in São Paulo this November, Green sat down with Plant Based News (PBN) from Amsterdam to reflect on his remarkable career, his steadfast vegan lifestyle, and his philosophy on life, health, and the future.

Despite the logistical challenges of a global tour – including recent power outages and the lingering effects of jet lag – Green exuded warmth, introspection, and a generous spirit. The interview, conducted just as the European leg of the tour was set to commence, delved into his musical roots in the hardcore and thrash scenes of the 1980s, the paramount importance of balance, his unwavering commitment to a vegan diet, and the personal journey that led him to abstain from meat as a teenager. He also offered insights into his online show, "Highway to Health," and his vision for what lies ahead for Sepultura and himself.

The Unfolding Farewell: Sepultura’s "Celebrating Life Through Death" Tour

"We just wrapped up the North American tour, which was absolutely incredible," Green shared, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "We were on the road with fantastic bands like Tribal Gaze, Exodus, and Biohazard. It’s been a multi-year journey, this farewell tour for Sepultura, and it’s been going exceptionally well."

The experience of touring has been profoundly special, allowing the band to connect with fans in places they’d never reached before. Green described the North American leg as a "wonderful" experience, tinged with a deep sense of emotion. "There’s been a lot of emotion tied to this farewell," he explained. "People have had a connection with the band for so many years. It often feels like stepping into a time machine when they hear the music being played live, and live is truly where it all comes alive. It’s incredibly rewarding to be face-to-face with those long-time supporters, and also to see a lot of new, younger faces discovering Sepultura for the first time. It truly makes leaving the stage that much harder."

The tour serves as a potent reminder of the band’s enduring legacy and the deep connection they’ve forged with their global fanbase. Each performance is a celebration of the music, the memories, and the shared journey that has spanned generations.

A Young Man’s Awakening: The Genesis of Green’s Veganism

Derrick Green’s commitment to veganism is not a recent development; it began in his mid-teens, around 1986. His conscious decision to forgo meat was a confluence of influences that shaped his worldview. "I started questioning the whole idea of eating meat around 14 or 15," he recalled. "The hardcore and punk scenes I was immersed in had a noticeable presence of vegetarianism, and concurrently, I was reading Upton Sinclair’s seminal 1906 novel, The Jungle, in school."

The stark realities depicted in The Jungle regarding the meatpacking industry left an indelible mark. "I think many Americans at the time had no real understanding of what went on within the industry, how people were treated, and not just the animals – it was systemic cruelty," Green stated. "It really struck a chord with me, prompting me to think more deeply about the source of the food I was consuming. At the same time, hardcore punk rock was entering my life, and some of the bands were openly discussing vegetarianism."

He specifically mentioned the band Cro-Mags, who introduced him to the concept of the Bhagavad Gita from India, a text that significantly advocated for vegetarianism. "So, I latched onto those two influences simultaneously," he said.

The Ethical Imperative: Beyond Animals to Planet and People

The growing awareness of the ethical implications of meat consumption extended beyond animal welfare for Green. "The more I learned about how the industry was treating not only animals but also the planet and people, the more upset I became," he admitted. "There was widespread contamination, many elements detrimental to human health, and a pervasive lack of empathy all around. It was deeply disturbing. I simply didn’t want to be a part of that."

The transition from vegetarianism to veganism, which occurred later, felt like a natural progression. "I never really looked back after giving up meat," Green affirmed. "The whole world of veganism just opened up so much more. As I got older, I realized the importance of fully embracing veganism. I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner, but I did. It was an easy transition, especially as the years went on. It just made perfect sense to set aside all animal products; it still does today."

The Punk Ethos and the Rise of Meat-Free Diets

The cultural landscape of punk, hardcore, and later, metal music played a significant role in popularizing meat-free diets and sober living in the decades that followed. Green attributes this trend to a core tenet of these genres: questioning the status quo.

"I think a lot of people in those scenes genuinely love animals," Green observed. "They begin to question how one can profess love for animals while simultaneously being involved in their killing or having them killed. It’s about questioning everything that’s presented to you, which is fundamentally what punk and hardcore are all about – digging deeper and seeking understanding."

Furthermore, the increasing availability of information regarding the detrimental effects of animal products, particularly red meat, on both the environment and human health, fueled this critical inquiry. "There was a surge of emerging information that people began to discover, especially concerning red meat and its links to various ailments like diabetes and heart disease," Green explained. "These health issues were becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in America. The consumption of red meat was also being linked to different cancers, and people were starting to connect these health crises back to meat and the additives used in its production. So, I believe these factors significantly contributed to a growing awareness."

The Energetic Edge: Veganism’s Impact on Performance and Well-being

Green’s role as the frontman for Sepultura is undeniably physically demanding, requiring sustained energy and stamina night after night, often for extended periods. When asked about the impact of his vegan diet on his daily well-being and performance, he confirmed a noticeable shift.

"Things definitely changed," he stated. "I felt I had a greater amount of energy, and mentally, I felt better in many ways. I wasn’t ingesting the kind of suffering that is inherent in eating meat. I believe you can absorb those feelings from animals, and what you put into your body has a profound impact, not just physically, but mentally as well."

"I definitely felt better in that sense," Green continued. "However, even without meat, you still need to be very mindful of maintaining physical health. It’s crucial to find a balance that works for you and to give your body time to adapt to a new way of eating and nourishing itself."

He emphasized the body’s remarkable adaptability and the importance of finding that equilibrium for sustained energy. "The human body is incredible," he remarked. "At the same time, you need to find that balance where you feel energetic. This often comes through trial and error. At least, that was my experience when I was younger, figuring out what worked best for me. Everyone is different. But I believe having a good doctor, reaching out to long-term vegans, or consulting vegan trainers and even vegan doctors is important."

Cultivating Vitality: Green’s Approach to Health and Balance

Beyond diet, Green’s approach to well-being is holistic, prioritizing consistency and accessible forms of exercise. "Every day I’m learning and trying to improve what I do. I don’t think anyone is perfect; that’s one thing. I think a lot of people just need to find that balance," he stated. He highlighted walking as a cornerstone of his fitness routine, recommending it as an accessible and highly beneficial form of exercise.

"Walking three to four times a week to stay active is really important," Green emphasized. "I don’t think you have to push yourself to extremes with running or intense workouts. Walking itself is an incredible form of exercise. You can do this well into your eighties or nineties, if possible. If you start at any age, it’s the easiest thing you can possibly do for great exercise. Walking at least an hour a day, anywhere you can."

Green also adheres to mindful eating practices, generally avoiding late-night meals unless touring necessitates it. "I feel it helps tremendously," he said, particularly regarding avoiding food right before bed, as "you’re not going to need any of that energy." He also consciously steers clear of sodas, high-sugar drinks, and ultra-processed sugars, which he identifies as "very damaging."

The Joy of Cooking: Connecting Through Plant-Based Cuisine

Green expresses a genuine passion for cooking and encourages others to explore their culinary interests by preparing meals at home. "I love to cook," he shared. "I’ve found so many incredible recipes online and have been very successful in replicating them at home. I create all sorts of different meals that I never imagined myself making before, from appetizers to full main courses to desserts. It saves money compared to eating out, and I know exactly where my ingredients come from."

"You can also entertain people," Green added. "Once you’re able to create something truly palatable, you can try it out on friends, which I’ve done many times with people in my band. It’s a wonderful way of connecting people with food and being able to eat at home and create meals for others. It comes from the heart. And you feel that when someone is putting that extra care into your food."

Regarding meat alternatives, Green acknowledges their utility for some, while suggesting a balanced approach. "Again, finding that balance is very important, and not overconsuming any type of thing that you’re trying out," he advised.

"Derrick & Tanya’s Highway to Health": A Rock ‘n’ Roll Approach to Wellness

In 2020, Green collaborated with Tanya O’Callaghan, a fellow vegan musician known for her work with Whitesnake and Bruce Dickinson, to launch "Derrick & Tanya’s Highway to Health." This show explored food, health, and sustainability while on the road, featuring a diverse range of guests including Moby, Kat Von D, Steven Adler, Devin Townsend, William DuVall, Kevin Smith, and Ami James, alongside medical professionals, chefs, and athletes.

The inspiration for the show stemmed from their extensive touring experiences and the evolving landscape of plant-based catering. "A lot of catering now includes vegan meals, and they’re often gone first because they’re so tasty," Green noted. "People often report feeling better after those meals, having more energy and not feeling as heavy or weighed down."

"The idea of the show was really to showcase a lot of the places we’ve been to and experienced, and the different people we met in that plant-based world," he explained.

Exploring Global Flavors: Brazil’s Plant-Based Renaissance

Green holds a particular fondness for Brazil, Sepultura’s homeland and where he resided for two decades, as a prime location for culinary exploration. "We [Sepultura] spent a lot of time in Brazil, and I found it very interesting because I lived there for about 20 years," he recounted. "I noticed that from when I first started living there, there wasn’t a significant plant-based environment. But as time went on, it became a place that surprised me, especially considering it’s a country with high meat consumption. It truly emerged with many new establishments and creative menus."

"You have an abundance of fruits and vegetables that are always in season there," Green continued. "So, taste-wise, it was unbelievable. The creative ideas they’ve been coming up with have been mind-blowing. Brazil is definitely one of my favorite places to experiment with plant-based food."

Reflecting on "Highway to Health," Green expressed a desire to adapt the show’s format to engage a broader audience, including non-vegans. "I think it’s important to speak with people who aren’t vegans, to understand their mindset and encourage them to think about certain things," he proposed. "Appealing only to vegans is like preaching to the choir. Vegans represent a smaller segment of the population, so I believe the show’s emphasis should be on non-vegans – to feature guests who are reluctant to embrace this lifestyle, or who hold preconceptions about veganism, or who have questions. Showcasing those doubts and myths and debunking them on the program is where I’d like to see the show go."

Bridging the Divide: A Gentle Approach to Vegan Advocacy

Green’s vision for "Highway to Health" is rooted in his belief that an open and inviting approach is far more effective in sparking interest in veganism than confrontation. "The show could evolve in a direction where you have a non-vegan who becomes open to the world of plant-based food and you witness their gradual change, or at least their consideration of dropping meat for a day or two a week," he suggested.

"I think taking those small steps is very important because, realistically, many people will continue to eat meat. That’s simply the majority of the world when you look at the numbers. But I believe if you approach it in a way that reduces consumption and fosters gradual change, then many things can work out better with that slow shift."

"Attacking people who eat meat doesn’t work," Green asserted. "Being aggressive in that manner, talking down to people, is ineffective. I believe when you simply open up and share your own lifestyle, the way you live, the way you are naturally, that helps tremendously."

Green also revealed that unreleased episodes of "Highway to Health" were previously recorded and expressed his hope for their future release.

The Final Crescendo: Sepultura’s End and Green’s Future

Sepultura’s decision to disband, announced earlier this year, has led to the "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell tour, with the final, deeply emotional show scheduled for November in Brazil. Green explained the band’s reasoning for concluding their journey now. "We decided to stop now while we were still at the top of our game," he stated. "We’re still enjoying writing, recording, and performing. We’ve had so many years of playing together, and now it just felt like a really good time to call it a day. We also didn’t want to burn ourselves out. The entire reason we got into music was the enjoyment and the fun we derived from it. So why push it to a point where we’re no longer having fun or enjoying it at all?"

The band aims to deliver a "spectacular" final performance, featuring special guests, former members, and a live broadcast for global audiences. "The band has had such an incredible history, representing Brazil in many ways, as well as metal music and music in general. We’re very proud of that," Green expressed. "That’s why we call it a celebration. It doesn’t have to be about death. We all want to continue pursuing other endeavors. I will continue making music, possibly with a different band. That’s something I look forward to, and I think all of us are eager to explore new avenues."

A Poignant Farewell: November’s Emotional Climax

The final Sepultura show is slated for November 7th at the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, with support from bands like Sacred Reich and Krisiun, and the supergroup Metal Allegiance. While founding members Max and Igor Cavalera will reportedly not be present, former drummer Jean Dolabella and guitarists Jairo Guedz and Andreas Kisser are expected to join the band on stage.

"November is very emotional to think about even before it happens because it has meant so much to so many people," Green admitted. "It’s gone through so many different transformations and battles, and times when people thought it was over, and yet we persevered. We truly believe in what we’ve created, and we’re incredibly proud of what the band has become. We will always celebrate the past and the present."

As Sepultura plays its final notes, Derrick Green, a vegan metal icon, looks towards a future filled with continued musical exploration and a steadfast commitment to his values, leaving an indelible mark on the world of heavy music and beyond.