Well that didn’t take long.
Live Nation announced earlier this week that they would leave it up to artists to decide whether to require that attendees show either proof of a COVID vaccine or a negative test prior to being allowed into their shows.
But now they’re changing course, with the promoter announcing in a press release yesterday that vaccines or negative tests will now be required at all Live Nation venues and festivals where allowed by state law – for attendees, artists and their crew.
According to Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino:
“Vaccines are going to be your ticket back to shows, and as of October 4th we will be following the model we developed for Lollapalooza and requiring this for artists, fans and employees at Live Nation venues and festivals everywhere possible in the US.”
The stricter policy comes on the heels of competitor AEG announcing earlier this week that proof of vaccination would be required for entry into all of their venues and festivals, with no option for those who are unvaccinated to show a negative test.
The announcement also comes on the heels of several locally-owned venues in Nashville announcing that they will be implementing a vaccine or negative test requirement for entry to shows, including the historic Bluebird Cafe.
With cancellations again starting to pop up and cities and states beginning to re-impose restrictions and mandates amid the surge in the delta variant, artists and concert venues are doing whatever they can to keep the music playing.
So don’t be surprised if this vaccine/negative test requirement becomes the norm for all concerts this fall.
It might be the only way for the show to go on, whether we like it or not.
