Live Nation amends COVID-19 policy to put artists in charge of deciding protocols

Live Nation has said it will allow touring artists to set their own COVID-19 entry protocols at shows.

In a document distributed internally within the company, shared by Variety last week, the events company confirmed they would be allowing artists to decide whether or not they would require audiences to be vaccinated, to present a negative test or both.

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Alongside the announcement, they released a guide outlining "best practices" for implementing each policy.

“We believe this is a great model, and we have already implemented this successfully at many major shows including Lollapalooza.” CEO Michael Rapino said in the document.

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Live Nation also confirmed they would be requiring all staff in the US to be vaccinated in order to work at their events.

“Our business and our industry is about uniting people and vaccines are one of the greatest tools for making sure that everyone can continue to enjoy live music together,” Rapino said. “We’ve gone through a lot this past year and it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come.”

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The announcement comes after Live Nation was accused last week of "gagging" artists who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Live Nation denied the claims, saying: “There is absolutely no COVID gag order in our contracts. We care about our employees, crew, fans & artists and will continue to meet requirements of local health officials as we put on events.”

[Source:NME]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter