Due to the spread of coronavirus, Live Nation and AEG, the world’s two largest live-event companies, have announced they will suspend all events through the month of March. Per Variety, a statement signed by Live Nation, AEG, and leading talent agencies CAA, WME, Paradigm, and UTA announces the creation of “a global task force to drive strategic support and unified direction ensuring precautionary efforts and ongoing protocol are in the best interest of artists, fans, staff, and the global community.†The taskforce is comprised of executives from all companies. “At this time, we collectively recommend large scale events through the end of March be postponed. We continue to support that small scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials. We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts, festivals, and live events as needed, and look forward to connecting fans with all their favorite artists and live entertainment soon.â€
Previously, Billboard reported that Live Nation had instructed its foreign and domestic tours to all return home. The company “told employees it is hitting the pause button on current touring arena shows through the end of the month.†Outside of select shows Thursday and Friday night, all Live Nation events will be postponed, with plans to reevaluate at the beginning of April, with the goal of resuming touring in May or June, according to Billboard. The company also asked its employees to work from home, and stated that the headquarters will be closed through the end of March. Tours affected reportedly include Billie Eilish, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Cher, Kiss, Post Malone, Tool, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Chris Stapleton.
Coachella, SXSW, Ultra and other major live music events have been canceled or postponed. Earlier on Thursday, Broadway theaters shutdown as New York governor Andrew Cuomo instituted a statewide ban on gatherings over 500 people.
Affected Live Nation and AEG tours include: Billie Eilish, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Cher, Kiss, Post Malone, Tool, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Chris Stapleton are reportedly heading home from tour after a global task force of concert promoters, including Live Nation and AEG, recommended halting tours. †The schedules will be reevaluated in April with the hopes of resuming tours this summer.
This is a breaking news story and has been updated accordingly.