Live Nation leaves vaccine mandates to artists as Limp Bizkit, Counting Crows join COVID concert cancellation cavalcade
UPDATED: Live Nation is giving artists the option of requiring fans to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter shows.
“We know people are eager to return to live events and we hope these measures encourage even more people to get vaccinated. That is the number one thing anyone can do to take care of those around them and we are encouraging as many shows as possible to adopt this model,” said Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino
But rather than taking a leadership role by mandating restrictions at all shows and sending a powerful message to fans, by letting artists decide the concert giant can sidestep this thorny issue even as new cases spike.
The company will require that employees be fully vaccinated by October 4 when company offices re-open, according to multiple reports.
More Cancellations
Live Nation’s new artist-centered policy comes as an increasing number of artists and festivals postpone their summer and fall tours.
UPDATE: The Bonnaroo Festival has announced that it will require vaccination or proof of negative covid test for entry.
Just yesterday, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival led a parade of new events canceled or postpones over COVID concerns.
Now CelebrityAccess is reporting that fresh from their performance at Lollapalooza, Limp Bizkit has announced the cancellation of their remaining August tour dates.
“Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of the band, crew and most of all the fans, the Limp Bizkit August tour is being cancelled. Refunds are available from your point of purchase,” a statement from the tour said.
The Counting Crows pulled out of shows in Boston and Youngstown, OH after a member of the tour tested positive. The future of any additional tour dates was unclear at press time.
H/T to CelebrityAccess particularly for portions of this awesome 6 C headline.
MORE: NOLA Jazz Fest, more concerts cancel over new COVID concerns
Bruce Houghton is Founder and Editor of Hypebot and MusicThinkTank and serves as a Senior Advisor to Bandsintown which acquired both publications in 2019. He is the Founder and President of the Skyline Artists Agency and a professor for the Berklee College Of Music.
