ToplinePhish announced Thursday that they will need proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, or a negative test, in order to attend their shows. They join a growing number of U.S.-based solo artists, bands, and concert venues who have imposed increased restrictions due to a spike in coronavirus infections nationwide and hospitalizations related to the delta variant.Maroon 5 announced Wednesday they will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19... [+] test in order to attend their shows next week. Getty ImagesThe Key FactsPhish released a statement last month before their summer tour began, in which they urged fans to get their shots. It stated that the "best thing you could do before going to a concert is to GET VACINATED!" After two weeks of traveling across seven states to perform, Phish decided to go beyond simply asking for the new rule. Maroon 5 announced Wednesday they will require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 testing to be allowed to their shows starting next week. Dead & Company (John Mayer) will enforce similar protocols on their summer tour. They explain that "requiring vaccinations & testing" is one of the best ways of protecting the safety and health of their band, crew and fans. These policies are in place without exception. These policies are in place for all ticket holders. They will need to show proof of vaccinations or a negative diagnosis test 48 hours before they can be admitted. Jason Isbell, who is also the 400 Unit's frontman, stated Monday that all concertgoers will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative result in order to be admitted to any future concerts. Everyone would also have to wear a mask. Foo Fighters held a concert in New York City for fully-vaccinated people in June. For future shows, they will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative result. Bonnaroo in Tennessee, Summerfest 2021, Milwaukee, WI. and Aftershock in Sacramento, California in October are just a few of the music festivals that require proof of vaccination.Important QuoteMaroon 5 tweeted, "We want to let you know that our number one priority is the safety of our fans and the well-being and health of those who work hard to make these events possible." "To that end we want to support recent news about shows starting to require additional protocols to enter."The Key BackgroundThe United States has more than 124,000 coronavirus cases per day on average, which is the highest daily average since February 1st. Many states, including Louisiana and Florida, have reported record highs. Many experts blame the spike in vaccination rates and the spread of the deadly delta variant. Live Nation announced last week that artists would be permitted to ask guests for proof of vaccination. Live Nation announced that employees would be required to have a vaccine before they can enter events. CEO Michael Rapino stated that Live Nation and artists cannot make vaccinations a condition of entry to events "where allowed by law." Artists who perform at government-operated venues in States that have banned vaccine mandates will not be allowed to enforce such measures.Tangent:Sean Agnew, coowner of Union Transfer, a large Pennsylvania concert venue that reopened last Wednesday, said that some artists had stated that they wouldn't accept test results in place of vaccination. Agnew states that they only want to play to fully vaccinated people. The Eagles, the legendary rock band, announced Monday that they will be holding a new concert in Seattle on Nov. 5, which is open to only fully vaccinated people.Big Number:35. 35.Additional Reading:Jason Isbell, Musician: I will only perform for audiences that are vaccinated or have passed a negative covid test (Forbes).Live Nation Concerts may require that attendees be vaccinated for Covid-19 (Forbes).
