Live Nation now requiring vaccination proof or negative COVID test

Company flips the switch on allowing artists to decide

As of October 4th, Live Nation is requiring that all artists, crew and attendees provide proof of COVID vaccination or negative test to enter its promoted shows. This is a change of course from last week when it sent an email to artists allowing them to make that decision. However, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino clarifies the requirement at all Live Nation owned venues, where allowed by law.

“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,” Rapino says in a statement.

Live Nation has provided a “best practices” guidance for allowing artists to request these policies at third party venues.

All Live Nation employees must also be vaccinated by October 4th in order to visit its offices, venues or events.

The decision comes on the heels of the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases as the delta variant spreads throughout the United States. The new lambda variant has also been found in the United States, and could evade vaccines. However, lambda doesn’t appear to be much of a threat at this time.

The news follows AEG’s vaccination requirement. On Thursday (Aug 12th), the company says it’s requiring proof of vaccination for entry into its owned and operated clubs, theaters, and festivals, including Coachella and Stagecoach. The vaccination policy, limited only as required by law, will be in full effect nationwide no later than October 1st.

Organizers of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival announced this week as well that all attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend this year’s event. Bonnaroo 2021 is set to take place September 2–5 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com