Top concert promoters and agencies urge suspension of large music events

A group of five major concert promoters and music agencies have joined together to recommend a worldwide postponement of large live music events in March.

In response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, Live Nation, AEG, CAA, WME, Paradigm and UTA have issued a statement to offer “strategic support and unified direction” to ensure people’s safety.

“At this time, we collectively recommend large-scale events through the end of March be postponed,” the statement reads. “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.”

Billie Eilish and Post Malone are among the acts that are set to be affected.

The news arrives after this year’s Coachella music festival moved from April to October and tour dates for the Who, Miley Cyrus and Madonna were cancelled. Despite global concerns over the safety of large live events, Thursday also saw the announcement that Kendrick Lamar would be another headliner at this year’s Glastonbury music festival.

Earlier on Thursday, New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, announced a temporary suspension of events with over 500 people, which led to the closure of theatres on Broadway soon after. A growing number of film releases, including Fast & Furious 9, No Time to Die and A Quiet Place Part II, have also been postponed.