Live Nation, AEG Update COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement at Live Events

2021-08-16

Story and photo by Anne Erickson

Live Nation will require proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter venues this fall, and AEG will require proof of vaccination

Two of the biggest concert promoters in the U.S., Live Nation and AEG, are changing their COVID-19 safety protocols due to the growing Delta variant. The biggest promoter, Live Nation, has announced that they will proof of a vaccine or a negative test result for all artists, crew and audience goers at U.S. venues and music festivals, starting Oct. 4.

“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,” Live Nation president and CEO Michael Rapino in a statement.

AEG is taking things one step further and requiring proof of full vaccination for all artists, crew and audience goers at U.S. venues and music festivals. A negative COVID-19 test alone won’t be enough to enter venues.

“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and chairman-CEO of AEG Presents, said in a statement. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading.”

He added, “The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again. We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”

AEG’s vaccine policy will begin Oct. 1. Up until that date, attendees to AEG shows must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours to enter venues.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.