Madball Take A Stand Against NYC’s Incoming Policy Of A Full COVID-19 Vaccination Being Required For Entry To Shows, Etc.

In addition to sparking much commentary and controversy, Madball‘s decision to headline a show in Tompkins Square in New York City, NY this past April had some lasting repercussions. The show made headlines for violating several of the COVID-19 safety guidelines put in place by the city at the time. As a consequence of those violations, permits for future related shows at the venue were revoked.

That show was found to have violated several safety measures, chief among which was far exceeding the limitation that only 500 people could attend the show if proof was shown of a negative COVID-19 diagnosis for entry. Since that show the group have played a number of dates in more opened states, including several other states with laxer restrictions. They had also been booked to play some shows in Texas this week too, but postponed them yesterday, issuing this statement on the matter.

In a newly shared post by the band today, they have announced that their previously booked August 14th show at Irving Plaza in their hometown of New York City will likely be their last in the area for sometime.

That decision comes in apparent protest of the ‘Key To NYC Pass’ initiative that will be put in place in New York City over the coming weeks. That initiative will find the city mandating that proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 be required for all attending “leisure indoor activities at restaurants, gyms and performances.”

The initiative will launch on August 16th with a grace period to occur until September 13th, after which proof of a full vaccination will become mandatory for entry. Madball commented of that and their upcoming show:

“Heads up NYC : We’ve been asked a bunch if Irving is still happening… the answer is YES! That said, in light of the new rules that will be implemented in the city, this will likely be the last show we play here for a very long time. Sad to say. We truly respect whatever decisions people make with their bodies but we cannot in good conscience play shows that require personal/private medical information(like vaccination status) for entry. We have a special set list we’re working on. This show will be bittersweet.. let’s make it memorable! There’s still some tickets available in the link☝️.. grab em up while you can! #weloveyounyc #fight #tryanny #hclives”