Travis Tritt has been a vocal opponent of venues and businesses that require the COVID-19 vaccine to enter their premises, and now he is taking his opposition one step further. The Grand Ole Opry member just announced he is canceling several of his shows, which take place at venues that require proof of the vaccine, a recent negative COVID test and/or masks to enter.
“I’m putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated,” Tritt says in a statement. “Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately. Many people are taking a firm stand against these mandates around the country, and I wholeheartedly support that cause.
“I have been extremely vocal against mandates since the beginning,” he continues. “This is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes. There are plenty of promoters and venues around the country that appreciate fans and the freedom of choice in this great country, and those are the promoters and venues that I will be supporting.”
The canceled shows include Muncie, Indiana on Oct. 23; Philadelphia, Mississippi on November 6; Peoria, Illinois on Nov 11; and Louisville, Kentucky on Nov. 13.
“I’m sorry for any inconvenience this situation creates for anyone who had purchased tickets to these shows,” Tritt says. “We will try to reschedule unrestricted shows in these areas as soon as we can.”
This isn’t the first time Tritt has spoken out against the vaccine. In August, the 58-year-old also criticized vaccine and mask mandates, saying it was against people’s basic rights.
“In light of recently announced policies and mandates from some entertainment companies, promoters, and local municipalities which would discriminate against specific concert attendees who are not vaccinated, I feel compelled to make a statement,” Tritt previously said. “I have always been a huge defender of basic human rights and liberty for all. No government, employer, or private entity should ever be allowed to infringe on those rights and liberties.
“I’m also very much against discrimination of any kind,” he added. “All forms of discrimination need to be called out and condemned in the strongest terms possible.”
Updates to Tritt’s shows can be found at TravisTritt.com.