Safety at shows is of the utmost importance during the pandemic. Whether that means all fans present a negative COVID test at a show or mandatory vaccination rules take effect (which I personally agree more with), measures need to be in place to ensure the safety of fans and artists.
Sepultura vocalist Derrick Green expressed similar sentiments during a recent episode of The MetalSucks Podcast, where he urged everyone to be selfless and safe during the ongoing pandemic.
"I think it's really important that each person takes responsibility of being as safe as possible. So if you're going to a show, then it shouldn't be a problem to take a test. And if you have a card, then just show your card. I think in these times, it's different from any other times, so you have to take precautions because you don't wanna get other people sick.
"And you have to be selfless. A lot of times people are just thinking of themselves — unfortunately, only themselves — and they feel that they need to go out and do what they need to do regardless of the consequences that may cause other people. And that's a horrible attitude, I've gotta say. It's really frustrating dealing with people that have this type of 'me, me, me, me' attitude, and it's really slowed a lot of things down.
"So I think if people are able to just take precaution, have some restraint and just be safe, including the bands, then we can get through this a little bit faster and we can get back to enjoying some type of normalcy in our lives. I don't even know if 'normalcy' is a word [laughs] — or normality in our lives."
Live Nation will require all artists and concertgoers to either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test starting on October 4, while AEG will require all employees and all concertgoers to be vaccinated as of October 1. Danny Wimmer Presents is also currently requiring vaccines or negative COVID-19 tests for anyone attending or playing their festivals.
