Great White played a show on July 9 in Dickinson, North Dakota for the First on First Dickinson Summer Nights concert series. Footage from the concert showed fans standing right next to each other without masks on, which the CDC currently recommends to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Now Great White has released a statement to Blabbermouth.
"We understand that there are some people who are upset that we performed this show, during this trying time. We assure you that we worked with the Promoter. North Dakota's government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws.
"We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement.
"The Promoter and staff were nothing but professional and assured us of the safety precautions.
"Our intent was simply to perform our gig, outside, in a welcoming, small town.
"We value the health and safety of each and every one of our fans, as well as our American and global community.
"We are far from perfect."
Woof. "We are not in a position to enforce the laws" is definitely true, but Great White was certainly in a position to tell the promoter that safety must be ensured if the band was to play. Especially if they "assured us of the safety precautions." Apologies from the band are whatever at this point – anyone who contracted COVID-19 from the show has already gone home and spread it to their loved ones. Way to be shitty, Great White.
Event coordinator for the show April Getz said on July 10 "We do not have restrictions, believe it or not, we don't have any. It's one of those things where if people feel comfortable coming down and mixing and mingling, that's their personal choice. We're leaving it up to everybody that chooses to attend." Which is a dangerously stupid thing to say. Personal choice is wearing a band t-shirt outside. Personal choice is not choosing to completely ignore health precautions and potentially spread COVID-19.
Just wear a fucking mask, America.
Speaking of masks, ex-vocalist and logical person who is for wearing masks Jack Russell said he was not involved with the incident.
"Hey, this is Jack Russell from Jack Russell's Great White. I heard a nasty rumor going around that we played in North Dakota on Thursday night. Let me just tell you one thing: We haven't played under the name Great White in almost 11 years. This is Jack Russell of Jack Russell's Great White. If it doesn't say Jack Russell's Great White it's not me or my band.
"I just want it to be known that we take this COVID thing very, very seriously, and everybody should be wearing a mask and people should be social distancing. And if you're not doing that, you're not doing your part. So, take it to task and wear a mask."
