Award-winning country music artist Travis Tritt announced Monday that he’ll be canceling a number of shows due to venues requiring fans to either show proof of COVID vaccination, submit a negative COVID test, or mandating masks.
“I’m putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated,” Tritt said in a statement sent to The Daily Wire. “Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately.”
According to a press release, the multi-platinum selling artist has canceled shows in Muncie, Indiana; Philadelphia, Mississippi; Peoria, Illinois; and Louisville, Kentucky.
“Many people are taking a firm stand against these mandates around the country, and I wholeheartedly support that cause,” Tritt said. “I have been extremely vocal against mandates since the beginning.”
“This is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes,” the performer emphasized. “There are plenty of promoters and venues around the country that appreciate fans and the freedom of choice in this great country, and those are the promoters and venues that I will be supporting.”
Tritt added his apologies for any inconvenience he’s caused for fans, noting that his team “will try to reschedule unrestricted shows in these areas as soon as we can.”
(To access a complete list of upcoming appearances that are moving forward, you can check out www.TravisTritt.com.)
Other performers have similarly canceled shows over a requirement for proof of COVID vaccination — though it seems Tritt is one of the first performers to publicly put his foot down over even mask requirements for fans.
Last month, for example, “Saturday Night Live” alum Jim Breuer slammed vaccine “segregation” as he announced the cancelation of numerous shows at venues requiring proof of the jab.
“Two quick updates on shows that you may think you may be getting tickets to or you already have tickets to: The Wellmont Theater in New Jersey — not doing it,” Breuer said during a 22-minute Facebook Live video. “Also the Royal Oak Theater in Michigan, due to the segregation of them forcing people to show up with vaccinations … I am also not doing those shows.”
“I know I’m going to sacrifice a lot of money, but I’m not going to be enslaved to the system or money,” the 54-year-old added.
“[Breuer] said he believes that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a ‘choice’ and he feels his fans are being ‘forced’ into making that decision,” Fox News noted.
Singer Eric Clapton, too, has pushed back against vaccine requirements for his fans, The Daily Wire reported:
Responding to an announcement from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that anyone wanting to enter nightclubs or other crowded venues will have to show proof of COVID vaccination beginning in September, the legendary rock star issued a statement Wednesday.
“Following the PM’s announcement on Monday the 19th of July 2021, I feel honour bound to make an announcement of my own: I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present,” Clapton said, adding, “Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”
Related: ‘SNL’ Alum Jim Breuer Cancels Shows At Venues Requiring Vaccine, Slams ‘Segregation’