Live Nation, AEG, Major Agencies Form Task Force, Urge Cancellation Of All Large Events

All “large-scale” concerts and events promoted by Live Nation and AEG will be canceled through the end of March.

Reports suggest that the cancellations could continue into April. According to reporting by Billboard’s Dave Brooks, Live Nation was also planning to suspend touring activity worldwide and has told international tours to return home.

Industry Task Force Forms

The announcements came alongside the formation of an industry task force to address the challenges that the live music industry faces as the coronavirus pandemic spreads.

Made up of executives that are usually fierce competitors, the task force has been holding conference calls for the last week.

The group includes touring industry leaders Michael Rapino (CEO and President, Live Nation Entertainment), Dan Beckerman (President and CEO, AEG & Board Member, ASM Global), Jay Marciano (Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents), Rob Light (Managing Partner and Head of the Music Division, CAA), Marc Geiger (Partner and Head of Music, WME), Sam Gores (Chairman, Paradigm), Marty Diamond (Head of Global Music, Paradigm), and David Zedeck (Global Head Of Music, UTA).

Guidance For Smaller Events

“We continue to support that small scale events follow the guidance set by their local government officials,” the task force said in a joint statement. “We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts, festivals, and live events as needed, and look forward to connecting fans with all their favorite artists and live entertainment soon,”

Thousands of events have been canceled across the US as artists and venues reacting to a changing patchwork of state and local recommendations and bans.

MORE: Thousands Of US Live Shows Cancelled

Full Task Force Statement

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino shared the full task force statement on Twitter.