Lady Antebellum is the latest in a long line of artists who have recently made the decision to change their tour plans, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While artists like Reba McEntire and Thomas Rhett have opted to push their tour dates to 2021, Lady Antebellum announced that they are canceling their tour entirely, and will evaluate other options for next year.
“Out of respect and love for our fans, crews and families, we’ve made the very difficult decision to not move forward with the #Ocean2020Tour this summer with @JakeOwenOfficial and @MaddieAndTae,” Lady Antebellum said in a statement shared on social media. “This decision breaks our hearts but the health and well-being of those we love is our first priority.
An #Ocean2020Tour update. pic.twitter.com/mCnCLlTNLx
— Lady A (@ladya) May 19, 2020
“We dream about the day we can step back on stage, see all your faces and hear all of your voices singing back to us,” the statement continued. “Y’all are the reason we do what we do and we find peace knowing that it will be even more special once we get through this together – and we will. While we don’t have future plans to share just yet, we are working with our team around the clock to figure out when and how we can safely get on the road to see all of you. Until then, we’re going to continue to find ways to keep the music playing and stay connected with you.”
Maddie & Tae also spoke out about the cancellation, admitting it was a sad day for the duo.
“We’re heartbroken the #Ocean2020Tour is being cancelled, but understand it is the safest thing to do,” Maddie & Tae tweeted. “If you bought tickets, keep an eye on your email for refund options. Love y’all. Be well!”
Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood are each self-isolating with their families, which is perhaps the silver lining in the midst of the disappointment.
“It’s been good,” Hillary said on the Bobby Bones Show, speaking of her time with her husband, Chris, and their three daughters. “I will say, I’ve had to hide in my car a couple times. Just needing a minute, or just take a little drive. We’ve all kind of found our ways to cope, I think, as best as we can. But right now, it’s so much about homeschooling my oldest daughter (Eisele, 6), keeping our two-year-old twins (Emory and Betsy) occupied. So there’s only a few hours every day that I’m able to take that aren’t revolving around the kiddos.
“I’m trying to take those moments to look inward and kind of process all of this,” she continued. “And it’s been a challenge, but you know what? I know I’ll never under-appreciate stepping on a stage again, or a hug from a friend. It’s all of the things that you miss so much, that you’re like, ‘I’m never going to take this for granted again.’”
Lady Antebellum just played a free show, opening for Brad Paisley, as part of the Bud Light Seltzer Sessions: Your Flavor. Your Show weekly concert series. Watch their performance here.