Could Concerts Suffer Due to Live Nation’s New COVID Policy?

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We are living in a world with so many unknown variables that it's nearly impossible to accurately predict the emotions of the masses.

On one hand, we still place an incredibly high value on our right to privacy, but on the other, we are collectively still so naïve in regards to COVID, most of us don't know exactly how we feel about certain edicts that come down in an effort to dampen the effects of this horrible disease.

Mask or not to mask? Vaccinate or not? And just about the time we were beginning to enjoy some return to normality, the new COVID variants are causing a resurgence of fear and anxiety.

As live entertainment was beginning to return to the area with announcements of upcoming shows like Gabriel Iglesias, Casting Crowns and The Dude Perfect Tour, at Brookshires Grocery Arena, we are now having to consider just what we are willing to do to attend some of these shows.

In an article from usatoday.com, we read:

Now, the company behind many of the biggest concerts in the country is weighing in. Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster and Live Nation Concerts, is opening the door so artists who want to require vaccination or proof of negative test for attendees and staff at their shows feel empowered to do so.

At this writing, we've not been able to confirm that any artist has utilized this new policy to mandate the proof of vaccination or the negative COVID test in order to be admitted to their show, but those who are Live Nation artists, are certainly empowered to make that mandate.

Some would argue this is a violation of their rights to privacy. Others might feel this is just what they needed to feel safe enough in a crowd to be able to attend and not have fear of what's been dubbed "super spreader events."

There's also the question those who might have already purchased tickets for an upcoming event to find out that artist is making the new demand, and whether or not they would be entitled to a refund if they disagree with the policy.

Additionally, will the decision to attend one of these events or not, fall squarely on political values? Will those who lean conservative feel one way and liberals another?

Will it depend on the artist making the request? Would a younger Top 40 artist get more positive response than say a "rebel" country artist.

Long and short of it, these are uncharted waters, and arguments can be made for or against any decision made.  All we can hope is that we all make the best decisions for ourselves and our families with all that's known presently and that hopefully, this too shall pass.