ED. NOTE: This story will be updated as news is confirmed by Global News.
Amid concerns about the novel coronavirus, the entertainment industry has taken a pummelling across Europe and Asia since the beginning of the year — and now, it seems the U.S. and Canada are being affected, too.
The rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China, last December.
With its continuously increasing spread, COVID-19 went from damaging China’s film market to putting the global music industry as a whole in a potentially slow-burning peril after threatening the tours of many scheduled performers.
While the rest of the world — mostly Europe and Asia — has been faced with concert delays and cancellations since late January, North America’s music industry took its first reported hit from the new coronavirus starting in March.
On March 3, Mariah Carey became one of the first artists to opt out of a scheduled U.S. show because of the virus. She became the first of many.
Find below a list of the concerts, tours, music award shows and festivals affected by COVID-19 in North America (in chronological order):
Mariah Carey
Though she didn’t explicitly name COVID-19, Carey, 49, credited the postponement of her March 10 Honolulu, Hawaii, concert to “evolving international travel restrictions” in a tweet.
“I’m so so sad to have to announce that I’m postponing my show to November,” wrote the All I Want For Christmas Is You singer. “I was so excited to come back to Hawaii on my ‘anniversary month.'”
Carey will return to Honolulu on Nov. 28 at the Blaisdell Arena.
South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival
On March 6, South By Southwest (SXSW), the beloved Austin, Texas-based music festival, become the first officially cancelled music gathering in the U.S.
The festival tweeted that for the first time in 34 years it would be cancelled. Austin, Texas mayor Steve Adler announced the cancellation as a precaution against the new coronavirus.
It was scheduled to take place from March 13 to 22.
Ciara
American singer/songwriter Ciara postponed her March 19 performance at the grand opening of the new United Service Organizations (USO) charity in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
The pregnant musician confirmed the news to the Associated Press on March 7.
“With the continued spread of the coronavirus throughout the U.S., as a pregnant woman, my doctors have advised me to limit travel and large group gatherings. I am disappointed I won’t be able to return this month to the place where I was born and put on the amazing show we had planned,” the 34-year-old said in a statement.
“I urge everyone to be diligent in taking steps to stay healthy and safe.”
She did not set a reschedule date.
Pearl Jam
The Seattle-based grunge legends became the first — of perhaps many to come — to postpone an entire North American tour. On Monday evening, frontman Eddie Vedder confirmed the news in a statement shared through the official Pearl Jam website.
“We are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list of things to avoid as this global health crisis is now beginning to affect all of our lives,” wrote the Black singer, who did not explicitly name COVID-19 in the lengthy statement.
The 16-date tour was set to kick off in Toronto on March 18, with three more concerts in Canada scheduled days before the release of the band’s upcoming 11th studio album, Gigaton (March 27). To promote the album, the quintet was set to hit the U.S. for the 12 remaining shows the following week.
On March 11, the band shared an FAQ regarding the future of the tour on their website.
KISS
KISS, the fire-breathing, makeup-covered rock act, has “temporarily” put a halt on any of their meet-and-greets.
“After many discussions with experts in the field, we have been advised to temporarily cancel these events given the reality that we do this nightly for a hundred or more fans,” the band’s manager, Doc McGhee, said in a statement on March 9, according to Blabbermouth.
On March 12, the Detroit Rock City rockers rescheduled the final three dates of the penultimate leg of their North American tour. Shows in Tulsa, Okla., Biloxi, Miss. and Lafayette, La. have all been delayed until early October.
They are still scheduled to hit South America this spring and Europe in the summer before returning to the U.S. one final time this fall.
Coachella
Citing COVID-19 concerns, Coachella has been postponed till October, according to a statement tweeted on March 10.
“We must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns,” the statement said.
Coachella has been rescheduled for Oct. 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, while Stagecoach has been rescheduled for Oct. 23, 24 and 25.
“Purchasers will be notified by Friday, March 13 on how to obtain a refund if they are unable to attend.”
Zac Brown Band
In the midst of its spring Owl tour, the Zac Brown Band issued a statement to its social media channels on March 10, announcing the postponement of its 13 remaining dates in North America — including one in Toronto on March 15.
The country-rock group insisted that fans “retain their tickets,” assuring them their old ones will be honoured at the soon-to-be rescheduled concert dates.
On March 20, Frontman Zac Brown and co. announced that all remaining tour dates — including their summer/fall Roar with the Lions tour — would be cancelled.
Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill, the popular all-female American punk rock band, made the decision to postpone four dates on its upcoming and highly anticipated North American tour on March 11.
The news was confirmed in an official statement shared through the band’s official website on Wednesday, citing the importance of taking “health and safety very seriously” in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Initially shows in Olympia and Seattle, Wash., Victoria, B.C., and Portland, Ore., were cancelled, however, the remainder of band’s upcoming tour — including dates in Toronto and Montreal — were all officially postponed on April 2.
2020 Juno Awards
Each year for five decades, the Junos awards show has united some of Canada’s biggest musicians to celebrate the nation’s “biggest night in music,” with tributes, awards and many, many onstage live performances.
The 2020 iteration of the much-beloved ceremony was scheduled to hit the SaskTel Centre stage in Saskatoon, Sask. on March 15, however it was officially cancelled on March 12 by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) in a last-minute statement.
“Through our collaborative discussions and with input and guidance and the full support of our trusted partners, including the province of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we collectively confirm the cancellation of the 49th annual Juno Awards and Juno Week activities in Saskatoon due to concerns surrounding COVID-19,” the academy wrote.
On March 25, the Canadian Academy issued a follow-up statement, announcing that they had “made the decision to hold off indefinitely on the announcement of the 2020 Juno Award winners,” citing a focus on supporting the music community in the midst of the devastating health crisis.
2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony
The 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) induction ceremony was officially postponed on March 12.
“We are very disappointed to announce the postponement of this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Joel Peresman, President of the RRHOF, confirming the decision in a statement.
As chosen by the RRHOF’s voting body and participating fans across the world earlier this year, inductees: Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, T. Rex, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston and The Notorious B.I.G. were set to be joining the ranks of the storied institution this spring.
The 35th annual RRHOF induction ceremony was scheduled to take place on May 2 at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland. The foundation has not yet rescheduled the highly anticipated event.
Blood Orange
In the midst of a U.S. and Canada-wide tour, Devonté Hynes (AKA Blood Orange) made the decision to postpone his remaining dates on March 12.
He took to Instagram announcing the news, writing: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I will be postponing the rest of my USA/Canada tour dates.”
“My priority here is for everyone to always feel safe at my shows, and given the influx of rapidly changing information every day due to COVID-19, I felt it best to move towards the side of safety,” added the 34-year-old singer/songwriter.
Six dates were postponed overall, including one in Toronto on March 16. As of this writing, Blood Orange has not rescheduled any of the shows.
Live Nation & AEG events
On March 12, Live Nation and AEG — two of the world’s largest concert and live entertainment promoters worldwide — made the decision to pause all remaining 2020 arena tours temporarily due to the growing concerns over COVID-19.
According to Billboard, Live Nation is instructing its touring shows to prepare to return home by March 14. The companies will re-evaluate the situation at the beginning of April and hopes to resume tours in May or June.
The announcement will affect all Live Nation and AEG tours, domestically and internationally.
The companies’ joint announcement prompted a heavy wave of additional tour postponements and continues to do so.
Chris Stapleton
Shortly after Live Nation’s announcement, Chris Stapleton, the American country rock icon, postponed the remainder of his All-American Road Show concert dates.
Four separate shows in Austin and Arlington, Tex., Biloxi, Miss. and Brimingham, Ala. were all pushed back to dates which Stapleton’s team are reportedly “working dilligently” towards scheduling.
“The health and well-being of our families and communities is our number one priority,” wrote the 41-year-old. “We look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, our hope is that you all stay safe and well,” he concluded.
Dan + Shay
Only hours after rescheduling one of their shows in Philadelphia, Pa. on March 12, Grammy Award-winning country duo Dan + Shay announced that they made the “collective decision” to postpone their entire upcoming spring U.S. tour, with the help of their team and “health officials.”
In a statement on Twitter the musicians wrote: “These shows mean the world to us, and it was important that they be postponed and not canceled, but more than the shows, our fans mean the world to us, and protecting their safety is the number one priority. We want the shows to be memorable, and not experienced with fear.”
Fortunately, ticketholders were given rescheduled tour dates immediately, with the 37-date trek now set to take place between July and October.
Previously purchased tickets will be honoured at each of the dates, as confirmed by the 10,000 Hours singers.
Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé upcoming U.S. tour — which was set to begin March 17 and conclude April 5 — joined the ever-expanding list of postponed events on March 13, after being announced through the Canadian musician’s official website.
“I was looking forward to getting back on the road,” said Bublé, 44, in a statement, “but the safety of my fans and my touring family of course take priority under the current circumstances.”
He continued: “We will be coming back soon with new dates and everyone will be safe to enjoy a great night out. Stay well everyone.”
Don Fox, promoter of the national tour advised fans to keep ahold of their tickets, adding “they will be honoured for the rescheduled dates that we will be revealing very soon.”
Styx
Styx, the veteran Mr. Roboto rockers, announced the postponement of their remaining March tour dates throughout the U.S. on March 13.
In a statement shared through their website, the band accredited their decision to “the current health concerns,” adding that the affected dates are in the process of being postponed.
“We are grateful for your continued support,” wrote the band.
Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney officially postponed his 11-date Chillaxification tour on March 13, as confirmed through the much-beloved American country singer’s website.
“In times of uncertainty, I won’t take chances with those I love,” wrote the 51-year-old in a statement, referring to COVID-19.
Chesney continued: “This is all uncharted. I’m like everyone else: watching the news, wondering when we may know something concrete, not sure how this gets transmitted, worried someone I know will catch it.”
“I want to believe this will all be okay in the end; but right now, I don’t feel like this risk to No Shoes Nation is worth it,” he added, referring to his loyal fan club.
As of this writing the April-May tour has not yet been rescheduled.
Cher
Citing the well-being of her fans, Cher has postponed her upcoming spring North American Here We Go Again tour with Nile Rogers and Chic.
The ABBA-inspired tour began in late 2018 and served as a live promotion of the pop legend’s 26th studio album Dancing Queen (2018) — which is a tribute to the iconic Swedish quartet.
“I’m heartbroken, but the health of my fans and my touring family comes first,” the 73-year-old wrote in a statement on March 13, according to Rolling Stone.
Fortunately for ticket holders, previously purchased tickets will be honoured on the new dates, which have been revealed to take place this fall, between September and December.
Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot, the all-female Russian punk feminist group, has also announced the postponement of an entire spring North American tour.
The trek was set to run from March through May and included two Canadian dates: Vancouver (March 19) and Toronto (May 19). Rescheduled dates are yet to be announced.
On March 12, the group issued a statement on Twitter, writing: “Due to safety and health reasons, our tour is being postponed. Stay tuned for more news and stay safe.”
“Sending power to everyone who was affected by the virus,” the Police State rockers concluded.
The Strokes
Though their concert dates are few and far between and often spread across the world in nonsensical order, The Strokes too, have been affected by coronavirus.
“Due to the extenuating circumstances of COVID-19, we have decided to postpone our show at Los Angeles’ The Forum, originally scheduled for March 14, to May 29,” wrote the band in an official announcement shared via Twitter on March 12.
“We are disappointed to have to postpone this show,” said the Reptilia rockers, adding that all original tickets would be honoured at the newly-announced May concert date.
The band concluded: “As unfortunate as it is for us to not to be able to play, the health and safety of our fans, crew and the venue staff is the priority right now.”
Billie Eilish
Only three shows deep into the first North American leg of her highly anticipated Where Do We Go tour, Billie Eilish ultimately made the decision of postponing the 11 U.S. concert dates slated for the remainder of March.
The 18-year-old musician confirmed the news via Twitter on the evening of March 12, writing: “I’m so sad to do this but we need to postpone these dates to keep everyone safe.”
“We’ll let you know when they can be rescheduled,” said Eilish. “Please keep yourselves healthy.. I love you,” she concluded.
The Bad Guy hit-maker promised previous ticket holders that their original tickets would be honoured at the soon-to-be rescheduled tour dates.
On March 16, Eilish postponed the remainder of her North American tour ” in light of the ongoing CDC restrictions and guidelines.” That included a concert in Vancouver (April 11).
Reba McEntire
Only days before it was set to commence, Reba McEntire postponed her 13-date spring arena tour across the U.S..
The veteran country singer confirmed that the tour had been rescheduled until July via her official website on March 12.
“All tickets will be honored for the new dates,” promised the 64-year-old in a statement. “Most importantly, stay safe and take care of you and your loved ones. We’ll get through this together,” she added.
Céline Dion
Despite recently testing negative for COVID-19, it seems the new coronavirus will still be taking a toll on Céline Dion‘s touring plans this spring — as it has for many, many other musicians.
On March 12, the Canadian pop legend made the decision to postpone the remaining concert dates between March and April on the North American leg of her extensive Courage world tour.
The My Heart Will Go On singer announced the news on Twitter on Thursday, only days after she was forced to reschedule two U.S. gigs as a result of her falling ill with a common cold.
The delays will affect 17 additional tour dates, including six in Canada across four cities: Vancouver (April 17, 18), Edmonton (April 21, 22), Saskatoon (April 25) and Winnipeg (April 27).
Rage Against the Machine
Only a month after announcing the highly anticipated concerts, Rage Against the Machine (or RATM) has postponed the first, spring portion of its upcoming reunion tour.
The political rap-rock group confirmed the decision via Instagram on March 12.
21 shows on the long awaited Public Service Announcement tour — including two already-delayed Coachella Music Festival headliner gigs — have been affected by the news, including four Canadian gigs in Vancouver (May 1), Edmonton (May 3),Calgary (May 5) and Winnipeg (May 7).
The band’s statement read: “Due to the current outbreak and ban on public gatherings, we are postponing the first part of our tour (March 26 – May 20),” adding that their special guest opener act, Run the Jewels, would not be playing either.
The latter half of the Public Service Announcement tour, however, was not affected by the decision — at least not as of this writing — including five additional Canadian dates, across four different cities: Ottawa (July 17), Quebec City (July 18), Hamilton (July 21) and Toronto (July 23, 24).
Third Eye Blind
Amid concerns of the severity of the spread of COVID-19, Third Eye Blind — for the first time in 22 years — made the decision to postpone some of their upcoming events.
As confirmed on Twitter on March 12, the upcoming spring Screamer tour was to be rescheduled.
The band wrote: “We all need to be part of the solution and not the spread. That is what has governed our decision.”
Third Eye Blind will return with the highly anticipated U.S. tour in May.
White Reaper
In the midst of a U.S. tour promoting their latest album You Deserve Love (2019), White Reaper, the Kentucky-based rock band, decided to postpone the remainder of March tour dates too.
“We really hoped this coronavirus situation would blow over and we could stay on the road,” wrote the band in a Twitter statement on March 12. “Everyone’s safety is our primary concern, so we are going to postpone the rest of the tour,” they added.
As of this writing, the band has not yet rescheduled the the remaining concert dates.
Tool
Though Tool, as of this writing, has postponed only one date on the second leg of their North American Fear Inoculum tour, the band shared a Twitter statement on March 12, writing that they are “taking a day-by-day approach” in regards with how to proceed with the rest of the dates.
The progressive rock band wrote: “We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with coronavirus and are in continual conversations with local promoters and venues.”
“The health of our fans, bandmates, crew, members and all of those that work in and around the venues is what we are focused on,” the Schism rockers concluded.
On March 18, Tool followed up to their latter statement by announcing the postponement of the entire North American leg. The affected dates include two previously scheduled concerts in Canada this April: Montreal (April 28) and Quebec City (April 29).
Thom Yorke
Due to venue restrictions amid COVID-19 fear, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke was forced to postpone the second upcoming leg of his North American tour with Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes on March 13.
Yorke, 51, issued a statement to Twitter in the afternoon revealing the news.
“Ticket holders, please standby for information on a new routing for later this year,” he wrote. “Apologies for the inconvenience.”
As of this writing, tour dates are yet to be rescheduled.
Wilco
Chicago-based rock band Wilco announced the imminent postponement of eight upcoming North American tour dates on March 13.
Though rescheduled dates have not yet been set, the band took to Twitter writing, “Every effort is being made to reschedule dates later in the year and we’ll be in touch with more information shortly.”
Of the delayed shows, the Someone to Lose rockers’ March 21 show in Vancouver has been affected, among seven other U.S. gigs.
Baby Shark Live
On March 13, in partnership with Pinkfong, the children’s educational brand, Round Room Live — the live entertainment company — issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the upcoming North American Baby Shark Live! tour.
The kids’ music tour, based around the viral-hit song Baby Shark was set to hit over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada up to June 27.
“The health and well-being of our audience is our top priority,” said Stephen Shaw, Producer and Co-President of Round Room Live in a statement. “We urge everyone to follow the guidelines provided by public health officials. Baby Shark Live! will return soon to entertain fans with this one-of-a-kind family musical experience,” he concluded.
Previous ticketholders have been advised to hold onto their original tickets if they want to attend the soon-to-be announced rescheduled performance in their respective cities. Fans have also been given the option to opt out for a full refund.
Mika
Mika, the Lebanese-born, English singer known best for his 2007 smash-hit radio single, Grace Kelly, made the decision to cancel both an entire South American tour as well as a North American tour months away.
The decision was made amid concerns of “the dangers posed by COVID-19” as confirmed in a statement on Twitter on March 13.
The 36-year-old was set to bring the Revelation tour to Canada this May for three separate concerts: Toronto (May 13), Montreal (May 15) Quebec City (May 16).
Alice Cooper
To ensure the safety of fans and local venue staff, Alice Cooper, the shock rock legend announced that he would be postponing the first portion of his upcoming spring North American headline tour.
That’s right, the dates on the highly anticipated Ol’ Black Eyes is Back tour between March 31 and April 22 are set to be rescheduled as soon as possible, according to a statement issued by the School’s Out singer.
As well as seven U.S. tour dates, seven Canadian gigs have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, including shows in: Peterborough, Ont., Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Prince George, B.C., Abbotsford and Penticton.
Lauryn Hill
Only a mere few hours prior to a performance in Cleveland, Ohio, Lauryn Hill was one of the many artists forced to reschedule amid COVID-19 concerns.
Additionally, Hill, 44, was left with no choice but to push back her March 16 Upper Darby, Pa. show too.
It will now take place on Aug. 28, with the Cleveland gig now set to take place on Sept 9.
The Doo Wop rapper confirmed the news in a tweet on March 13.
Steel Panther
Hours before a two-night run at Vancouver’s Hard Rock Casino on March 13 and 14, Steel Panther, the comedic heavy metal band, was forced to reschedule the dates as a result of the British Columbia’s newly-announced “ban on mass gatherings.”
The Death to All But Metal headbangers confirmed the news in a tweet, confirming that they would return to the popular casino on Sept. 11 and 12.
Sturgill Simpson
American country singer Sturgill Simpson also made the decision to postpone a portion of his upcoming A Good Look’n Tour as a result of coronavirus.
Though he was able to successfully reschedule 13 of his U.S. dates to April and May, three others were cancelled, including the You Can Have the Crown rockers sole Canadian gig, which was set to take place at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto on March 18.
The concert changes were shared to the 41-year-old’s official website on March 13.
Jonas Brothers
Two weeks before kicking off their first-ever Las Vegas residency, the Jonas Brothers made the decision to cancel it entirely.
The pop group issued a statement to Twitter on March 13 explaining their collective decision.
“We did not make this decision lightly,” the Sucker trio wrote. “We were so excited for the opportunity to share an amazing show with you guys, but nothing is more important than everyone’s health and safety.”
The cancellation of the nine-date stay comes in conjunction with the temporary closure of all MGM Resorts worldwide amid COVID-19 concerns.
Kelly Clarkson
Though she didn’t cancel the entire thing, in a similar move to the Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson‘s upcoming Las Vegas residency has been affected by the new coronavirus — at least dates scheduled before July.
While dates have not yet been announced, Clarkson, 37, confirmed that she would be rescheduling all of her dates for the near future in a tweet on March 13.
Before the closure of all MGM Resorts, the Stronger singer accredited her decision to overall “concern and care for everyone’s safety.”
Additionally, production on the newly-launched Kelly Clarkson Show has been halted as a result of COVID-19.
As of this writing, none of Clarkson’s upcoming and affected Invincible residency shows have been rescheduled.
Grand Ole Opry
On March 14, the Grande Ole Opry, the monumental, century-spanning, weekly country concert (and venue), announced it would be suspending all planned events through April 4.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued to the institute’s official website, saying the decision was made “in the interest of the health and well-being of our guests and employees.”
Post Malone
Though Post Malone has not yet addressed the update, on March 14, Ticketmaster listed that the rapper’s upcoming March 15, 19 and 21 shows in the U.S. had all been postponed.
For ticket holders planning to attend the 24-year-old’s March 17 concert in Ontario, Calif., the ticket-selling giant has said that the upcoming event is cancelled.
The musician has yet to comment on the scheduling changes.
Previous ticket holders have been advised to hang onto their tickets until further notice while they await rescheduled tour dates.
David Lee Roth
Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth announced the postponement of the final six shows of his ongoing Las Vegas residency at the House of Blues on March 15.
“House of Blues Las Vegas postponed,” wrote the 65-year-old on Twitter. “And now a word from Dave.”
“Somebody get me a Doctor, just kidding…” he added, referring to the Van Halen II (1979) classic. “Take your Whiskey home, not kidding… Love Dave,” concluded Roth.
Additionally, on March 17, the House of Blues Las Vegas announced that it would be “temporarily” closing its doors for public service.
Elton John
10 days before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was set to return to North America, Elton John announced the postponement of 19 upcoming concerts on March 16.
As confirmed in an official press release, the Rocket Man‘s “tough decision” was made “with the safety and well-being of his fans put to the fore, at a time when health services are under increased pressure and with the concern that these gatherings risk accelerating the spread of COVID-19.”
Not only have 15 U.S. tour dates have been affected by the decision, but four Canadian gigs as well: Toronto (March 28, 29) and Montreal (April 2, 3).
iHeartRadio Awards 2020
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, iHeartRadio issued a statement on March 16 confirming that the 2020 iHeartRadio Awards has been postponed.
“The safety of our guests, employees, artists and partners is our main priority,” wrote the company. “iHeartMedia and Fox will plan to reschedule at the appropriate time and will provide more information and relevant updates as they become available,” they added.
The annual ceremony was scheduled to take place on March 29 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Calif., with Usher scheduled to serve as its host.
As of this writing, the broadcasting giant has not scheduled a new date for the iHeartRadio Awards. Refunds have since been credited to previous ticketholders.
Foo Fighters
On March 16, a month ahead of the Foo Fighters‘ upcoming 25th anniversary tour — the “Van Tour” — the American rock band has rescheduled five of the 13 confirmed dates as a result of COVID-19.
Frontman Dave Grohl confirmed the postponement in a statement shared to the Monkey Wrench headbangers’ social media channels.
“Hi, this is Dave,” wrote the 51-year-old. “Remember me? The guy who wouldn’t even postpone a show when my goddamn leg was falling off?” Well… playing a gig with a sock full of broken bones is one thing, but playing a show when your health and safety is in jeopardy is another,” he added.
Grohl continued: We f–kin’ love you guys. So let’s do this right and rain check s–t. The second we are given the go-ahead, we’ll come tear s–t up like we always do. Promise. Now go wash your hands.”
Five U.S. shows, including stops in Oklahoma City, Okla. and Phoenix, Ariz., were pushed back to early December, before Grohl confirmed that production on the band’s upcoming tenth studio album is complete.
Following up to their previous statement, the Foo FIghters’ remaining Van tour dates — including one in Hamilton, Ont. on May 20 — were all postponed on March 31. The Hamilton show will now take place on Oct. 1.
Vanessa Carlton
On March 16, Vanessa Carlton, the American singer/songwriter, announced on Twitter that she would be rescheduling the entire first two legs of her upcoming North American Love is An Art tour.
“While we know we will persevere and life will return to normal, at the moment, our number one concern is helping to ensure everyone remains safe,” wrote the 39-year-old.
As well as 18 other shows in the U.S. this spring, the A Thousand Miles singer was set to play a single Canadian gig in Toronto on April 9.
“While we don’t yet know exactly when these shows will be rescheduled, once we do, we will let you know,” concluded Carlton, advising fans to hold onto their current tickets.
The Rolling Stones
Two months ahead of the long-awaited leg of their extensive No Filter world tour, The Rolling Stones have postponed their upcoming 15 North American concert dates between May and July.
The band members — who are all in their 70s and prone to the life-threatening effects of COVID-19 — issued a statement to their social media channels on March 17 confirming the news. They wrote:
“We’re hugely disappointed to have to postpone the tour. We are sorry to all the fans who were looking forward to it as much as we were, but the health and safety of everyone has to take priority. We will all get through this together — and we’ll see you very soon.”
On May 12, the Beast of Burden rockers were set make a pit-stop in Vancouver for a sole Canadian gig — the first since Canada Rocks with the Rolling Stones last summer.
As of this writing, the No Filter tour dates have not yet been rescheduled.
ZZ Top
ZZ Top, the Texas-based, beard-clad rock n’ roll band, announced the postponement of their upcoming Las Vegas residency at the Venetian on March 17.
In a Twitter post, the Sharp Dressed Men wrote that they made the decision “out of an abundance of caution.”
The veteran rockers concluded: “We will make a return engagement at the Venetian with specific dates to be announced soon. Thank you for understanding and look forward to seeing you all in Vegas soon!”
2020 Billboard Music Awards
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Billboard Music Awards issued a statement on March 17 confirming that the annual awards ceremony has been postponed.
“In accordance with the current guidelines set forth by national and local health officials and in order to ensure the health and safety of our artists, fans, guests and staff, we are postponing the Billboard Music Awards,” wrote the company.
“DCP and NBC will announce a new date and venue for the show in the near future.,” they added.
The annual ceremony was scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., with Kelly Clarkson scheduled to serve as its host.
As of this writing, Billboard has not scheduled a new date for the upcoming event. The 2020 nominees are also yet to be announced
Silverstein
After being forced to postpone their 20th anniversary tour earlier this month amid concerns of the COVID-19 outbreak, Silverstein announced the newly-scheduled dates of their North American tour.
Between July and August, the Burlington, Ont.-based rock band will play 23 shows across the continent, including their long-awaited tour opener in Toronto on July 24.
In a statement shared to Twitter on March 17, the My Heroine rockers wrote: “To our loyal fans of 20 years: thank you for all of your support. We appreciate your patience regarding the postponed dates and are pleased to announce that everything has been rescheduled for July and August.”
Airbourne
Airbourne, the Australian rock band, was set to hit the continent for a 17-date tour in promotion of their fifth and latest studio album, Boneshaker (2019), however on March 17, the group made the decision to postpone it in the midst of the global pandemic.
“To our rock n’ roll family in the USA and Canada, our April/May tour has been postponed. New dates are being arranged right now and we’ll let you know as soon as the rescheduled tour is confirmed,” wrote the Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast rockers in a statement shared to Twitter.
Airbourne was set to play four Canadian shows in four different cities this May, including London, Ont. (May 19), Toronto (May 20), Quebec City (May 22) and Montreal (May 23).
The group has advised fans to hold onto their tickets as they will be honoured at the soon-to-be rescheduled tour dates.
Anamanaguchi
On March 17, Anamanaguchi, the American electro-synth pop group pushed their entire spring North American tour forward to June to avid the risk of spreading COVID-19.
The seven-date tour included a single Canadian stop in Toronto at Lee’s Palace. The gig will now take place on June 26, with all previous ticket holders being honoured.
Bonnaroo
Organizers of the much-beloved Manchester, Tenn.-based music festival Bonnaroo, confirmed that it would be postponed until September in an official statement on March 18.
The note read: “Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will be rescheduled to take place Sept. 24-27, 2020 out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of all Bonnaroovians, artists, staff and our community.”
It was confirmed that all previous ticket holders would be honoured at the new dates and festival-goers with overnight on-site accommodations have been asked to contact the festival organizers.
Bonnaroo concluded: “Please continue to radiate positivity through this uncharted time in our world. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you on The Farm this fall.”
The 1975
The 1975 issued a statement regarding their upcoming North American headline tour on March 18, announcing that it would be postponed entirely.
“It is with great regret that we have to reschedule the 1975’s upcoming North America headline tour for the health and safety of our fans and crew,” wrote the band.
Among the affected dates is the band’s May 21 performance at Budweiser Stage’s opening night in Toronto.
The band promised fans that they are working on rescheduling the dates, asking them that they hold onto their tickets — which will be honoured at the future shows.
Alicia Keys
As well as postponing the release of her seventh studio album Alicia, Alicia Keys postponed her four-date U.S. book tour on March 19.
The mini-tour was set to correlate with the release of the pop singer’s upcoming memoir, Living Myself at te end of the month.
“Everyone’s health and safety is the No. 1 priority,” she wrote on Twitter. “Thank you foryo ur deep love. I’ll let u know about new dates soon. Stay powerful! I adore you,” she concluded.
Keys, 39, was scheduled to visit music halls across New York City, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Little Big Town
Little Big Town, the much-beloved country act, officially postponed it’s upcoming, eight-date Nightfall tour on March 20.
“We feel the only thing to do to protect the health of our fans, band, crew and families is to postpone the upcoming spring shows,” the band wrote in their statement.
On Twitter, the Girl Crush rockers announced that all previous ticket holders would be honoured at the newly scheduled shows spread between August 2020 and January 2021.
“Stay safe and healthy and try to enjoy this unexpected time to spend with your loved ones,” Little Big Town concluded.
Metallica
On March 23, Metallica issued a statement to its official website announcing the cancellation of a series of U.S. festival dates across May as a result of COVID-19.
They statement read: “With heavy hearts, we’re here to let you know that Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome to Rockville in Daytona, and Sonic Temple in Columbus have all been cancelled.”
“For now, go hang with your significant others, kids, pets, parents… whomever you have in your space,” concluded the heavy metal giants.
Lady Gaga
On March 23, Lady Gaga was forced to delay a number of her critically acclaimed “Enigma” Las Vegas residency shows at the Park Theater between March and May 11.
Previous ticket holders were advised to hold onto their tickets pending updated show information as they will be honored for the rescheduled dates, which are soon-to-be-announced.
The next day, Gaga, 33, made the decision to postpone her upcoming sixth studio album, Chromatica.
Volbeat
Though they are yet to finalize dates for the upcoming tour, Volbeat announced the rescheduling of theit highly anticipated U.S. Rewind, Replay, Rebound tour on March 24.
The 19-date tour was set to take place between April and May with special guest opening acts, Clutch and The Picturebooks, however, the Danish rock act confirmed that the tour would take place instead between September and October.
Camila Cabello
While she didn’t specify how much of it would be affected, Camila Cabello announced that her highly anticipated Romance tour would be rescheduled on March 24 in an official statement.
The 23-year-old wrote: “I’m truly heartbroken to say that we’ve decided we need to postpone the tour. With all the news constantly coming out and so much that is really unknown, we’re taking extreme precautions to protect ourselves, our team, our dancers, our band, our crew and ultimately you guys.”
“We can’t start rehearsals without putting people at risk and with so much up in the air — with no real and definitive end in sight — I feel this is the responsible thing to do,” added Cabello.
Initially, the North American leg of the tour was set to kick off on July 29 in Vancouver. Along the way, the Havana singer was scheduled to make a stop at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and the Place Bell in Laval, Que. this September.
2020 Tony Awards
On March 25, it was announced that the 74th annual Tony Awards would be “postponed and rescheduled at a later date.”
The highly anticipated awards ceremony was initially set to take place on June 7, live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The delay was confirmed in an official statement shared via the official Tony Awards website.
BTS
BTS, the world-renowned K-Pop group, made the decision to postpone the upcoming North American leg of its Map of the Soul tour on March 26.
All 15 dates, including two in Canada — Toronto (May 30 and 31) — were delayed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The news was confirmed via Ticketmaster in a statement which asked all ticket holders to hold onto their tickets so they can be honoured at the soon-to-be rescheduled dates.
Roger Waters
Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd frotnman, announced the postponement of his upcoming This is Not a Drill tour on March 27.
The 31-date run was delayed nearly three months ahead of its kick-off date on July 8 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Affected in the announcement are six Canadian dates: Toronto (July 17, 18), Quebec City (July 21), Montreal (July 23), Vancouver (Sept. 14) and Edmonton (Sept. 16).
In an official statement, Waters, 76, wrote: “The bad news is: I’ve had to postpone my tour until next year. Bummer, but if it saves one life, it’s worth it.”
Ringo Starr
On March 27, Ringo Starr announced the postponement of the entire upcoming North American leg of his highly anticipated What’s My Name? tour.
“This is very difficult for me,” said the former Beatles drummer in a statement. “In 30 years I think I’ve only missed 2 or 3 gigs never mind a whole tour. But this is how things are for all of us now, I have to stay in just like you have to stay in, and we all know it’s the peace and loving thing we do for each other,” he added.
Except for the two opening dates in Rama, Ont. the 79-year-old revealed that all dates had been pushed to June 2021.
As of this writing, dates for the originally-scheduled May 29 and 30 show at Casino Rama have not yet been determined.
North By Northeast (NXNE) music festival
Three weeks after the cancellation SXSW, Toronto’s own NXNE festival announced that it would be postponed.
On March 30, the organization announced that in support of all frontline healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic that it would be postponed until August.
The five-day music celebration will now take place between Aug. 11 and 16.
Boston Calling
Citing “weeks of consultation with local and state authorities” during the ongoing pandemic, Boston Calling, the Massachusetts-based festival announced its cancellation on March 31.
The festival organizers provided ticket holders with no word of refunds or festival possibilities in 2021.
The highly anticipated event was slated to take place between May 28 and 30 with headliners Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber joined the lengthy list of musicians affected by COVID-19 on April 1 as his entire 2020 tour was postponed.
“In light of the current public health crisis, and with the deepest concern for all those being affected, Justin Bieber will be postponing all currently scheduled 2020 dates for the Changes Tour,” reads a statement from the 26-year-old’s team.
The tour was set to kick off on May 14 in Seattle, Wash., and conclude after four months in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 26.
Bieber was scheduled to play four Canadian shows in four cities: Ottawa (Sept. 1), Quebec City (Sept. 3), Toronto (Sept. 10) and Montreal (Sept. 14).
While concert dates are yet to be rescheduled, “Justin is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to get back out on the road and perform in a space that is safe for everyone,” the statement read.
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Though North America’s music scene is the latest victim, Asia was the first to suffer the consequences of COVID-19.
On Feb. 27, BTS, the world-renowned South Korean K-pop band, became one of the first reported music groups to cancel a string of concert dates as a result of the novel coronavirus. They cancelled the three opening shows of the 2020 Map of the Soul tour in their hometown of Seoul.
The next day, Green Day, the iconic punk trio, followed with a similar announcement, revealing they had postponed the Asian leg of their Hella Mega tour with Weezer and Fall Out Boy.
All in the same week, acts like New Order, Khalid and Avril Lavigne were also forced to reschedule their upcoming tours in Asia, with Stormzy announcing he had cancelled dates altogether in a since-deleted post.
Outside of Asia, Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction singer, postponed a headlining show in Milan, promising on Twitter he’d return in July. Currently, Italy is the country with the second biggest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Madonna has cancelled two shows in Paris as a result of a knee injury. However, the announcement came shortly after France banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people as a result of the continued risk and threat of the new coronavirus, according to Reuters.
Among many other cancellations, Miley Cyrus has cancelled her Australian bushfire relief concert after authorities recommended the move.
Initially, the novel coronavirus outbreak only caused a stir within the Chinese film industry. Many cinemas were closed for business to avoid crowding, and multiple Hollywood blockbusters were delayed and suffered massive financial losses.
It wasn’t long after that, however, that the global film industry started taking a hit.
On March 4, No Time to Die, the upcoming James Bond film, became the first film to be delayed worldwide. As a result of the increasing threat of the virus, the release of the spy flick was pushed back to November in not only Asia and Europe but also the U.K. and North America.
The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) issued an official statement on March 11 regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and how it plans to keep Canadian music industry executives up to date with what’s happening amid the newly announced pandemic and how to ensure the safety of both fans and artists.
The CLMA — which describes itself as the voice of Canada’s live music scene — wrote on Wednesday: “Working with public health authorities and resources, CLMA members are able to assess any risks associated with their events and respond accordingly.
“Our No. 1 priority is the health and well-being of our artists, fans and employees. We are monitoring the situation closely,” said Erin Benjamin, president and CEO.
Global News is awaiting comment from Ticketmaster about their plans to work around COVID-19.
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This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information is confirmed by Global News.
— With files from Reuters and the Associated Press
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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