COVID-Era Restrictions Again Impact Concert Tours

The Trey Anastasio Band at Radio City Music Hall on October 2; several band members had to drop out of the tour upon contracting COVID-19

Travis Tritt canceled four concerts on his Fall 2021 national tour because the venues enforced COVID-19 safety guidelines. The multi-platinum selling and award-winning country music artist posted on his website that he will not perform at venues that require proof of COVID vaccination, mask mandates, or testing.

"I'm putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated," posted Tritt. "Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately. Many people are taking a firm stand against these mandates around the country, and I wholeheartedly support that cause."

Tritt continued, "I have been extremely vocal against mandates since the beginning. This is a sacrifice that I'm willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes. There are plenty of promoters and venues around the country that appreciate fans and the freedom of choice in this great country, and those are the promoters and venues that I will be supporting."

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real at Brooklyn Steel on October 18; show your vax card and get a wristband for entry into the venue 

The Emily Duff Band at Cowgirl on October 18; present proof of vaccination upon entry in order to be seated

Public responses by musicians regarding vaccine mandates have divided the country music world. Jason Aldean on social media on October 1 criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for requiring schoolchildren to be immunized against the virus. Carrie Underwood was in headlines in July when she was one of nearly 50,000 people who liked a social media video posted by a conservative commentator who compared mask mandates for children in schools to child abuse. On the other hand, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker have starred in public service announcements for the vaccine.

Rockabilly artist Robert Gordon at the Bowery Electric on October 10; security checks customers for vaccination before allowing entry

From Nashville, Side Pony at the 11th St. Bar on October 19; security or bartenders check for proof of vaccination

Tritt joined Eric Clapton in declaring a boycott of venues or localities that enforce a vaccine mandate. Clapton posted against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's July announcement that vaccines would be required for entry at clubs and venues in Great Britain. Two months earlier, Clapton described his "disastrous" health experience upon receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"Following the PM's announcement on Monday the 19th of July 2021 I feel honor-bound to make an announcement of my own," Clapton said. "I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show."

Clapton accompanied his message with a link to Van Morrison's anti-lockdown song, "Stand and Deliver," on which Clapton collaborated in December 2020. The song was one of three by Van Morrison that protested Great Britain's lockdown measures. Despite his protest, Clapton performed in September at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, a venue that required all concertgoers ages 12 and up to provide proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or a recent negative test.

Country artist Kelley Swindall at the Bowery Electric on October 13

Amanda Cross at the Bowery Electric on October 13; formerly a rocker, she has returned to her country music roots

In related news, national promoters on October 13 amended its position on vaccine requirements for both the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival in 2022. The festivals now will permit entry to attendees who present proof of a negative diagnosis within 72 hours of the event.

Also this month, Genesis announced on social media on October 8 the cancellation of four concerts due to positive COVID-19 tests within the band. Primus announced via social media on October 7 the postponement of several tour dates due to "a confirmed COVID-19 case within the Primus touring party." Turkuaz reduced its fall tour to 11 dates, cancelling many shows due to COVID-19 concerns, but keeping the two New York City shows.

On the local level, Mayor Bill de Blasio has not announced an end-date to the Key to NYC mandate, requiring proof of vaccination for entry into dining, entertainment and fitness facilities; instead, he renews his executive order every five days. A Brooklyn federal judge on October 12 supported the mayor and ruled against the protesters who sought to reverse the mandate. Violators are subject to escalating penalties.

The Christine Santelli Trio at the Ear Inn on October 11; present proof of vaccination to the bartender (photograph by Seth Okrend)

The Jake Walker Trio at the Ear Inn on October 4 (photograph by Seth Okrend)

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music developments as they happen. All photographs are by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise. For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music." For a listing of upcoming concerts for live audiences, visit The Manhattan Beat's October 2021 calendar.