In an ever-growing list of event cancellations and postponements in what can only be called trying times, Bluesfest has officially announced the cancellation of its 2020 proceedings due to the current outbreak of COVID-19; while the folks at Red Hot Summer Tour have announced they will be postponing some proceedings until October this year and cancelling others altogether.
This news comes with an avalanche of cancellations in the music industry that will have a tremendous impact on the livelihood of workers and artists alike. Events that have been called off or postponed so far include many of the year’s biggest, such as the US's Coachella and SXSW festivals, along with local drawcards like Hobart's Dark Mofo and Byron Bay’s Bluesfest – where Patti Smith, Crowded House, Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews Band and many more were scheduled to perform in just a few weeks.
“It is obvious we will not be on this Easter,” Bluesfest Executive Chairman Peter Noble said in a statement, following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement that all non-essential events with audiences above 500 are to be cancelled from March 16th onwards. “We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you.”
Over the weekend quarantines and travel restrictions were put in place, requiring anyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days, effectively putting a temporary to stop to international travel, the entertainment industry, and many others in a developing situation that can only be described as unprecedented across the board.
“I must now thank every one of you for supporting us. The emails and posts are deeply appreciated at this time,” Peter Noble added. “We are now working through how to move forward and to give you details. I thank you for allowing us enough time to get everything in place for the best possible outcome for everyone.”
Last week saw the first wave of performances being affected, with both New Order and the Pixies both having to cut their tours short. The Pixies have vowed to reschedule their lost dates for later this year. Alanis Morissette has also pledged to reschedule her upcoming 'Jagged Little Pill' 25th anniversary tour dates that were to coincide with her Bluesfest appearance.
The safety and health of everyone comes first. Unfortunately the upcoming shows in Japan, Manila, Australia & New Zealand are being rescheduled for later dates please hang on to your tickets (except Bluesfest in Byron Bay), details to come soon for the rescheduled shows
… Alanis Morissette (@Alanis) March 16, 2020
Our thoughts go out to everybody who has been impacted financially by this unprecedented situation. Artists who rely on touring income and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events possible have all been faced with sudden uncertainty. In times of crisis – like the recent bush fire catastrophe – band’s and crew alike are the first to throw their support behind fundraising efforts, and now they need our help. Support Act are dedicated to supporting artists and music workers when times are tough, you can donate here at supportact.org.au.
There are plenty of ways to help keep your fave bands afloat during these trying times – now is the perfect time to complete those collections, snap up any merch you’ve missed or albums you’ve had your eye on!
With new social-distancing measures unfolding daily, at this point, it's impossible to say when we can expect rescheduled dates to be announced, but we will bring you updates as they come. Until then, listen to the seasonably appropriate Jagged Little Pill on Spotify:
Listen to Jagged Little Pill on Apple Music:
