#Concert promoter AEG to require COVID vax for ticketholders, crew

AEG Presents, the concert and live events promoter behind Coachella and the New Orleans Jazz Fest & Heritage Festival, said Thursday it will require proof of vaccination for all US ticketholders and crew, starting Oct. 1.

The move comes days after AEG canceled the New Orleans Jazz Fest due to spikes in the coronavirus infection rate across the country. Earlier this year, AEG had to nix many of its other festivals, including Coachella, the Firefly Music Festival, and Day N Vegas.

The decision to require proof of vaccination will also impact any concerts or events taking place in AEG-owned and -operated venues, such as the Roxy and El Rey in Los Angeles, Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel in New York and the Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas.

“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, chief operating officer of AEG and chairman and CEO of AEG Presents. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again.”

The exec added: “We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”

AEG, which is the second-largest live events company behind Live Nation, said the new policy will be in full effect by Oct. 1. Until that date, either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours will allow entry.

“The date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticketholders and staff to reach fully vaccinated status should they choose to do so,” Marciano concluded.

So far, Live Nation has a less strict policy, having announced last week that proof of vaccination or a recent COVID test will be required for select shows, with individual artists’ discretion a factor.