Live Nation denies artists' contracts have COVID gag order

Live Nation, the American events promoter that merged with Ticketmaster in 2010, has denied stipulating that touring artists cannot speak out after receiving a positive COVID-19 test.

This denial comes after singer-songwriter Courtney Jaye tweeted a text message she received from another musician claiming that despite eight out of eleven people testing positive for the delta variant in their touring party, they could not tell anyone beyond friends and family.

In the text screenshots, it states, "hey girl – I know you're about to start a tour. I want to let you know that 8 out of 11 people tested positive for Covid and we were all fully vaxxed.

As per the contract with Live Nation, we're not allowed to make any public statements but I can tell people I know privately."

Live Nation responded to her tweet, saying, "there is absolutely no covid gag order in our contracts.

We care about our employees, crew, fans & artists, and will continue to meet requirements of local health officials as we put on events."

receiving messages like this from friends makes me incredibly concerned for all musicians and crew members on the road right now. please stay safe everyone. also - wtf @LiveNation? pic.twitter.com/fHLPTnNJm3

— Courtney Jaye (@TropicaliJaye) August 1, 2021

There is absolutely no covid gag order in our contracts. We care about our employees, crew, fans & artists and will continue to meet requirements of local health officials as we put on events.

— Live Nation (@LiveNation) August 2, 2021

Much like the United States, the UK has started seeing large-scale concerts and festivals again, with Hot Press proud to report on the success of Latitude's return this year.