Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Millions of people across the globe have been diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19). As the pandemic spread around the world, organizers canceled tours, festivals, and trade shows, and many venues were forced to close to fight the spread of the disease. Follow our coverage for updates on how the global pandemic is affecting artists and the music industry.
Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and More Misused Millions in COVID-19 Relief Money for Luxury Purchases
According to accounting documents viewed by Business Insider, artists exploited the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to pad out their lavish lifestyles
Beverly Glenn-Copeland Cancels Tour Due to COVID-19 Concerns
The musician, who is 79 years old, had been planning to require masking at his October concerts
Neil Young Announces First Concert Since Before Pandemic
He and Stephen Stills will headline the Light Up the Blues autism fundraiser in Los Angeles
Regina Spektor Reschedules Tour Dates After Recovering From COVID-19
The singer-songwriter had been forced to call off a number of concerts after “[coming] down with a bad case of Covid”
Drake Delays New Album Her Loss After Noah “40” Shebib Contracts COVID-19 During Mixing and Mastering
The rapper’s new collaborative full-length with 21 Savage will now arrive Friday, November 4, a week after originally intended
Regina Spektor Cancels 2022 Tour After Testing Positive for COVID-19
“I have gone from feeling bad, to worse, to terrible. I’ve lost my voice,” she said.
Jenny Lewis Cancels 2022 Indoor Concerts Due to COVID-19
A handful of September shows have been called off “out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing COVID situation”
Drake Postpones Reunion Show With Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne After Contracting COVID-19
The concert, scheduled for tonight, was part of Drake’s October World Weekend festival
Neil Young Won’t Perform at Farm Aid 2022, Citing COVID-19 Concerns
Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and more will take the stage at the annual benefit in September
Animal Collective Cancel Shows After Avey Tare and Deakin Test Positive for COVID-19
The band was touring with Spirit of the Beehive. “Wear your masks, take care of each other, and we’ll see you as soon as we can.”
Musicians Are Begging Fans to Mask Up at Concerts. Here’s Why.
With mask mandates being pulled, artists like Jeff Rosenstock, Wednesday, Mary Lattimore, and Speedy Ortiz say that they feel forced to choose between healthcare burdens and income loss.
Mitski Postpones Concerts Due to “Positive COVID Test in the Mitski Touring Party”
Shows in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. are being rescheduled for later dates
New York City Lifts Proof of Vaccine Requirements for Concert Venues
Venues, as well as restaurants and bars, will still have the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose, per Mayor Eric Adams
Justin Bieber Postpones Las Vegas Show Due to COVID-19
He was slated to perform tonight at T-Mobile Arena, but the event was pushed back “due to positive COVID results within the Justice Tour family”
Coachella’s Plan to Lift COVID-19 Rules Worries Health Experts
This week, the festival announced that it will not require vaccines, negative tests, or masks for attendance.
Coachella Drops More COVID Restrictions, Won’t Require Negative Tests or Masks
Goldenvoice previously nixed vaccine mandates for Coachella and sister festival Stagecoach
After Neil Young Boycott, Spotify Adding Content Advisories to Any Podcast That Discusses COVID-19
Young and Joni Mitchell’s exit in protest over Joe Rogan’s COVID-19 misinformation has been followed by other artist and podcast departures from the platform
Spotify Removes Neil Young’s Music at His Request After Criticism of Joe Rogan’s Podcast
Young accused Spotify of “spreading fake information about vaccines” by hosting The Joe Rogan Experience
Neil Young Demands His Music Be Removed From Spotify Over “Fake Information About Vaccines”
“They can have [Joe] Rogan or Young. Not both.”
Fugees Cancel Reunion Tour Due to COVID-19
“An idea sparked to honor and celebrate this 25th anniversary of The Score but we see now it may not currently be our time for revisiting this past work”