Live Nation is halting all domestic and international tours as a temporary measure, due to the growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak around the world. Per Billboard, the event promoter has instructed all of its touring shows to pack their bags and head home for the time being. Following suite of other events around the world that attract large gatherings of people, current touring arena shows under Live Nation will be cancelled through the end of the month in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Select shows on Thursday and Friday this week will, however, proceed as scheduled. The company plans to re-evaluate the situation come April, with hopes of resuming touring by May or June. Among the tours affected are Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Cher, Kiss, Tool, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Chris Stapleton.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation
Live Nation has also ordered all of its employees not to come into the office, and instead work remotely from home. For the most part, their Beverly Hills headquarters will be closed until the end of March. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the company is not planning to lay off any employees, as staff have been informed that the company is “well-positioned to weather the closure.”
One of Australia’s Longest Running EDM Festivals Cancelled Due To Bush Fire Devastation
As the bushfires in Australia continue to ravage the continent, events in the region continue to fall prey with the latest being Rainbow Serpent Festival in Victoria. The festival released a statement yesterday announcing the cancellation: “Due to a number of safety concerns stemming from the fire that affected the site and the wider bushfire impacts across the country, it was agreed that holding RSF over the scheduled weekend in Lexton simply isn’t the right thing to do.”
Fortunately, replacement events are scheduled. One will be held in inner Melbourne on January 26th, the originally scheduled weekend, “hosting the majority of special guest performers from the original lineup.” A few months later, a “special multi-day event” will take place on site in Lexton over the Easter long weekend beginning April 10th.
Organisers confirmed full or partial refunds would be available to those who are not able to attend the new events.
“We’re looking into how we can best use these events to drive a community fundraising effort for the bushfires and will confirm those details in the coming days,” the statement concludes. “We ask everyone to please be sympathetic to the needs and well-being of the broader community at this time but also the incredible strain our crew are currently experiencing in trying to work towards an outcome that is acceptable, enjoyable and safe.”
In the meantime, with over a billion animals already estimated killed, the fires continue to threaten hundreds of communities in Australia with no clear end in sight.
You can donate directly to the bushfire relief effort the following organizations:
Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief And Recovery
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Country Fire Authority Victoria
Fire Relief Fund For First Nations Communities
NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue And Education Service
Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
Resident Advisor