Live Nation and AEG suspend all large-scale tours until April

Two of North America’s largest concert promoters have recommended that all large-scale tours should be postponed until April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rolling Stone report that Live Nation and AEG have asked artists both at home and abroad to halt their current tours, as the music industry reels from the impact of COVID-19.

The two firms have issued a joint statement alongside Creative Artists Agency, William Morris Endeavor, Paradigm and United Talent Agency, telling the website: “The world’s leading forces in live entertainment have come together to form a global task force to drive strategic support and unified direction, ensuring precautionary efforts and ongoing protocol are in the best interest of artists, fans, staff, and the global community.

“At this time, we collectively recommend large-scale events through the end of March be postponed. We continue to support that small-scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials.

“We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts, festivals, and live events as needed, and look forward to connecting fans with all their favourite artists and live entertainment soon.”

The directive will take place with immediate effect, although some shows that are planned for tonight (March 13) will still take place. Check with your local venue for updates.

The news comes after Digital Music News reported that Live Nation’s shares plummeted on Wednesday due to the coronavirus disruption, with the company seeing a single day loss of an estimated $1.8 billion in stock market valuation.

The site say that Live Nation shares have dropped by 43.3% over the course of the past month as coronavirus continues to spread.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on tour and show postponements and cancellations due to coronavirus on Louder’s dedicated hub page. This will be updated regularly with news as we get it.

The World Health Organisation have posted public advice in light of the spread of the virus which covers basic protective measures.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.