Full vaccination will be required to enter Coachella and other AEG venues

Coachella promoters AEG Presents, the music company that also looks after The O2 Arena and other festivals and venues across the globe, will now require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon entry.

Only double jabbed fans and staff will be able to join AEG-run gigs from October 1, when the new rule will be implemented.

AEG’s CEO, Jay Marciano, said “We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status.

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“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."

A second jab must be taken at least 72 hours before entry to a gig. Coachella is one of many AEG events taking on the new regulation, as well as 48 more clubs and theatres across the US - and festivals such as Firefly and Day N Vegas.

Marciano continued, “We realise 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 events workers.”

The CEO recognised the time needed for everyone to get fully vaccinated, including the younger generation who have not yet been offered the jab, and allowed for a six-week period leading up to October 1 for this rule to come in.

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He added that AEG’s proactive stance on vaccinations would hopefully encourage everyone to “do the right thing”, saying, “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.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter