Alesana have been on the road this month supporting the 10th anniversary of their album “The Emptiness” on a trek with Picturesque and VEIO, but not without complications. Recently Alesana have opted to cancel two shows on the trek that newly require more stringent safety measures in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, namely their planned dates in St. Louis and Nashville.
A statement issued by the band alongside refunds for the St. Louis date reads:
“We are in unprecedented times as a music community in the face of a pandemic.
The nature of safety, both for everyone personally and for the music community as a whole, has become an issue that no one could have foreseen and yet we are forced to deal with.
The other issue that can’t be dismissed is everyone’s right to choose what they think is best for themselves, their bodies, and their families.
When this tour was booked we were on a downward trend of infection and we made certain to play venues that were inclusive and permitted all attendees to come to the show, allowing all individuals to assess risk on their own and make a decision they were comfortable with.
That is no longer the case and, after a lot of thought, we have decided to pull some shows that are no longer allowing that autonomy.
We have no ill will towards the venues. We definitely understand and appreciate their right to set their own guidelines, but we too have a choice as to what restrictions are placed on our fans.
The subject of the coronavirus has been about as divisive as it can get. Alesana’s members have opinions on all sides of the spectrum when it comes to the pandemic, but we do agree that how every individual feels, and the decisions they make for themselves, are personal choices and it’s not our place to enforce penalties on people who choose one way or the other.
We encourage everyone to practice the safety measures that make you comfortable and remember that there is currently an inherent risk by attending a concert which you must accept if you want to see live music. That choice belongs to you.
We love all of you and hope for nothing but good health in the Alesana Army, but we will not be the arbiters of who can and can’t see us based on their choices for their personal health.
For those fans unable to see us as a result of these cancellations, we’re sorry the situation is what it is and hopefully we can make it up to you once the pandemic is in the rear view mirror.”
As of August 10th, the Red Flag, which was the planned venue for their August 14th show in St. Louis, MO, implemented a temporary new policy requiring those concertgoers provide proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event. Masks were also required to be worn through the duration of the event in line with the city’s mask mandate.
The Exit/In in Nashville, TN, which was set to host Alesana‘s August 15th show, implemented a similar policy on August 10th as well. They however require either a full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event. While face masks are encouraged, they are not mandatory.
The remaining dates for Alesana‘s tour include:
08/12 Madison, WI – The Red Zone
08/13 Joliet, IL – The Forge
08/16 Springfield, MO – Outland Ballroom
08/17 Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street
08/18 Corpus Christi, TX – Boozers
08/19 Dallas, TX – Trees
08/20 Lubbock, TX – Jake’s
08/21 Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
08/22 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
[via MetalSucks]
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