Ninety thousand cases of the coronavirus has been reported worldwide
Slipknot, Whitesnake and Old Dominion are among the acts cancelling international shows due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The New York Times reports that nearly 100,000 cases have been reported worldwide, causing more than 3,000 deaths with 14 of them in the United States. Two hundred cases have been reported in the States with California declaring a state of emergency.
Slipknot is postponing Asian dates, including Knotfest Japan, due to growing concerns of the worldwide epidemic.
“In light of global health concerns, Slipknot have decided to postpone their upcoming Asian tour, including Knotfest Japan,” the band shares on social media. “While decisions like this are not easy, the safety and well-being of the band’s fans always comes first. Furthermore in this case, the bands and artists, crew and local employees are also equally effected, and as such, this was the only responsible decision that could be made. Slipknot and Knotfest will both return to Asia very soon, and at such time that everyone can be ensured of the best experience possible.”
— Slipknot (@slipknot) March 5, 2020
A similar message followed about the Knotfest Japan cancellation, stating the decision was made “after thorough discussions with Knotfest organizers and Slipknot concerning the safety of the fans, artists, staff and everyone involved.” It ensures that new dates will be announced as they are confirmed. Tickets will be honored for the new dates, but those who want refunds are encouraged to hold onto their tickets until a future announcement is made.
KNOTFEST JAPAN 2020 開催延期のお知らせhttps://t.co/uFNNE9H3Ca pic.twitter.com/ADpEWRFW5t
— KnotfestJapan (@knotfestjapan) March 5, 2020
Whitesnake were set to perform in Japan this month as part of its Flesh & Blood World Tour, but shared an apology video postponing the trek.
“We regret to announce that Whitesnake’s Japan Tour which had been scheduled for March has been unavoidably postponed due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus,” they share. “Currently, we are working on rescheduling the dates. Your purchased tickets for the original dates will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Please ensure you keep your tickets safe. For those customers who wish to receive a refund, we will announce details of the refund process once we announce the rescheduled dates. We deeply apologize to all parties concerned especially those customers who bought tickets and have been looking forward to the Whitesnake shows.
Country band Old Dominion was scheduled as part of the C2C Country to Country Music Festival in Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, London and Glasgow next week, but decided to pull out due to safety concerns.
“We are so sorry to disappoint our fans overseas; however, with the growing uncertainty and unpredictable nature of the virus that is spreading throughout the world, the safety and security of our entire team is the top priority,” they share on social media. “We are forever grateful for every opportunity we get to witness just how far our music is reaching, and we will be back across the world as soon as we can. Much love and thank you for your support.”
Ozzy Osbourne has also cancelled an appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX later this month. Osbourne was set to attend the premiere of A&E’s Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, a two hour documentary exploring the life and times of the goth rocker slated to air on the network later this summer. The music and arts festival is still slated for March 13-22 with organizers monitoring the situation.
It was also just announced that the Ultra Music Festival, Miami’s annual electronica and dance festival, has been postponed forced by the City of Maimi issuing a state of emergency.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that The City of Miami has issued an official directive requiring that the 22nd edition of Ultra Music Festival, originally scheduled for March 20, 21 and 22, 2020 will be postponed to March 26, 27 and 28, 2021. Due to the Florida Governor’s declaration of a public health emergency and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Interim Guidance for COVID-19, it is impossible for the City to provide access to Bayfront Park at this time,” the festival’s website states.
“We completely understand how extremely frustrating this is because so many of you are looking forward to coming to Ultra, having already made travel arrangements.
“This is, however, an unprecedented issue which is not being taken lightly, and we must continue to defer to the authorities for guidance. Ultimately, there is no higher priority for us than the health, safety and physical well-being of each of you, together with everyone else involved in the production of the event.
“All ticket purchasers will be contacted by email on Monday regarding next steps.”
The acts are the latest in a growing list of artists canceling shows amid concerns of the spread of the coronavirus. Sons of Apollo canceled their upcoming tour of Europe, Russia and Ukraine earlier this week with Green Day and BTS also postponing shows in Asia.