Eric Clapton, who had previously said he would not play any shows requiring people to be vaccinated against COVID-19, ended up playing a vaccinated show on September 18 in New Orleans.
Rolling Stone snarkily reported, “He broke that absurd promise by playing Smoothie King [Center], which, according to its website, is following New Orleans regulations that require all ticketholders 12 and above, as well as staff and participants, to either prove they have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine or provide a negative test taken within 72 hours. Moreover, they must wear a mask while not eating or drinking.”
The outlet also noted, “A representative for Clapton did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment, but perhaps the singer has had a change of heart. Or, more likely, adhering to the strict rules he rashly set for his tour would mean canceling several planned dates. After all, his next scheduled show, on Tuesday, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, will require either vaccine or a negative test for entry come October.”
Clapton has made many headlines over the course of the pandemic and has been staunchly against many lockdown measures and vaccine mandates. In July, he issued a statement saying he will not play any venues that require proof of vaccination against COVID-19. In June, he said his opinions have led him to be “ostracized” by his friends and family.
Just last month, he released the protest song “This Has Gotta Stop,” which takes aim at the government’s role in various pandemic measures.