The Press Release:
AEG Presents, a global leader in concerts and live events, announced today that it will be requiring proof of vaccination for entry into its owned and operated clubs, theatres, and festivals. The decision comes on the heels of the dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads throughout the United States. AEG Presents is either an owner or partner in such iconic venues and festivals as New York’s Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel, The Roxy and El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, Firefly Music Festival, Day N Vegas, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Coachella Music & Arts Festival, among others.
The vaccination policy, limited only as required by law, will be in full effect nationwide no later than October 1, 2021. Several venues have already been following local government vaccination mandates, with others anticipated to come in the weeks leading up to October 1. The date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticketholders and staff to reach fully vaccinated status should they choose to do so. Leading up to October 1, AEG Presents will be implementing a policy of showing proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of show date where permitted.
“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. 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.”
Added Shawn Trell, COO and General Counsel, AEG Presents: “Certain states’ regulations may override our mandate, or a few artists may not want to immediately get on board with the plan, but we know that using our platform to take a strong position on vaccinations can make an impact. The message we want to send is simple and clear: the only way to be as safe as possible is to require everyone to be vaccinated. And we’re confident that others who haven’t been ready to make this full commitment yet will follow our lead.”
The vaccination policy will be implemented as an open-ended one, with any changes or reversals informed by updates relating to infection rates, transmission data, variant developments, and local and federal regulations.
“Our hope is that our pro-active stance encourages people to do the right thing and get vaccinated,” added Marciano. “We’ve already had to deliver bad news about JazzFest this week; I think everyone can agree that we don’t want concerts to go away again, and this is the best way to keep that from happening.”
Please click here for more information on where you can get vaccinated in your area.
About AEG Presents: Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across four continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as Goldenvoice, Messina Touring Group, Concerts West, The Bowery Presents, PromoWest Productions, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at the link below.
*** end of transmission ***
Ken Pierce Media Thoughts: As you can see by my own Instagram image, I’ve been vaccinated for a few months now and I had 0% side-effects from it. I also get the flu shot every year and am okay with that as well. So I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t support this announcement and mandate. I’m rather tired of my life and that of many others being on hold because of other people. While it’s true that you don’t have to get a vaccination as its your body, I also have the right to not be at risk because you are around me and can potentially put my family and I in danger. I was okay wearing the mask where it was said to be necessary but now that is back to being everywhere and I don’t like how these things feel anymore. Though I’ve managed to see a couple of movies in the eighteen months that its been since this all began, I only got one short concert in with the KISS appearance at Tribeca Festival back in June. It felt good and it felt “normal” to me. I need more of that normal in my life again and I know a lot of you are reading that and nodding your heads. At the time of this share of news, the folks at Live Nation Entertainment have not made a similar statement. They are currently letting the artists dictate how their shows will manifest but I have a feeling it will change and follow this same directive. What do you think about this news? Please feel free to chime in down below with a topical comment. Until next time, please keep safe out there and wear a mask, keep some distance and know that this virus is going to be sticking around unless more people comply. That’s my two cents on it.
Official: http://www.aegpresents.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AEGPresents