We’ve finally gone and done it: Everything is cancelled. Or as AEG and Live Nation put it, the concert business is currently on “pause,” thanks to concerns over COVID-19.
Today, the two promotion powerhouses have united with several of the biggest booking agencies—including CAA, Paradigm, WME, and UTA—to address the growing concerns over the coronavirus and live events. As such, the new coalition is postponing all “large-scale” shows and tours, at least through the end of this month.
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“The world’s leading forces in live entertainment have come together to form a global task force to drive strategic support and unified direction ensuring precautionary efforts and ongoing protocol are in the best interest of artists, fans, staff, and the global community,” reads their joint statement. “At this time, we collectively recommend large scale events through the end of March be postponed. We continue to support that small-scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials. 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.”
While there is no indication of when the entities plan on getting tours back up and running, a Rolling Stone source indicates that the month of April is the target goal.
Among the many touring artists being affected are Billie Eilish, who launched a massive arena tour on Monday, and Tame Impala, who performed two nights at Los Angeles’ Forum this week. The Strokes, Post Malone, Michael Bublé, Maluma, Cher, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Trippie Redd, and Young M.A are just a handful of the other AEG and Live Nation artists forced to put tour plans on hold.
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The large-scale postponement follows the recent cancellation of Austin’s SXSW for the first time in its thirty-four-year history, and both Coachella and Stagecoach 2020 being moved to October. Today, it was also revealed that the Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony has been pushed back.
Raves are not immune to the rash of cancellations, either. Beyond Wonderland, the Southern California event that was slated for March 20 and 21, has been postponed until June.
In the meantime, music industry insiders and artists like Weyes Blood suggest fans find alternative means to help support artists who are sure to be affected by the concert cancellations. “Buy people’s records and merch! Bands promote their music and make most of their income from touring,” she posted on Twitter. “Maybe instead of spreading the news that we’re all obviously reading, share their message, spread the music.” See her full post below.
— Weyes Blood (@WeyesBlood) March 12, 2020
