As the United States is trying to strike a balance between curbing COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and reopening recreation, a debate over whether vaccines should be required for live music has come up. The loudest voice in this discussion is that of Live Nation Entertainment, the company behind many of the biggest concerts in the country. The parent of Ticketmaster is allowing the artists to determine the vaccine requirements at the concerts. 

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According to a letter Live Nation sent to artists obtained by Variety, the decision of vaccination and COVID-related restrictions for live music concerts will lie in the hands of the touring artists. So far, most artists have gone with whatever the local health authorities decide. No artist has made any announcement after Live Nation’s move. Some major artists on  Live Nation tours are Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Jonas Brothers, Kiss, Pitbull, Brad Paisley, Lil Baby and J Cole with 21 Savage.

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“We believe this is a great model, and we have already implemented this successfully at many major shows including Lollapalooza. We know people are eager to return to live events and we hope these measures encourage even more people to get vaccinated. That is the number one thing anyone can do to take care of those around them and we are encouraging as many shows as possible to adopt this model,” CEO Michael Rapino’s note to employees read.

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The Lollapalooza, conducted in Chicago last week, saw more than 385,000 people gathered for live music. As per USA Today reports, the festival’s organisers had said that 90% of attendees on the first day of the event proved they were vaccinated, 8% had negative COVID-19 tests and 600 people without paperwork were turned away.

Live Nation Entertainment CFO Joe Berchtold described Lollapalooza’s requirements as “a great signal in terms of people’s commitment and support of being vaccinated in order to go to these shows.” He said that the restrictions showed a shift in the industry.