A person wearing a face covering walks past The Roxy nightclub and music venue, closed amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, on May 15, 2020.
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty ImagesAEG Presents, the concert promotion arm of AEG, announced today that it will be requiring proof of vaccination for entry into its owned and operated clubs, theatres, and festivals. AEG's deep portfolio includes New York’s Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel, The Roxy and El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, Firefly Music Festival in Dover Delaware, Day N Vegas, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Southern California.
The move follows news that Live Nation will give artists the option to require proof of vaccination or negative test for any shows in the United States, and will make it mandatory for any staff at those events or in company offices.
“Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again" says Jay Marciano, chief operating officer for AEG and chairman and chief executive AEG Presents." We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”
The requirement comes as a new surge in COVID-19 cases hits the United States due to the spread of the Delta variant. The vaccination policy will go into full effect nationwide no later than Oct. 1.
"The date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticketholders and staff to reach fully vaccinated status should they choose to do so," a release announcing the policy reads. "Leading up to October 1, AEG Presents will be implementing a policy of showing proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of show date where permitted."
Certain states’ regulations may override AEG's mandate, "or a few artists may not want to immediately get on board with the plan, but we know that using our platform to take a strong position on vaccinations can make an impact," added Shawn Trell, chief operating officer and general counsel, AEG Presents.
"The message we want to send is simple and clear: the only way to be as safe as possible is to require everyone to be vaccinated. And we’re confident that others who haven’t been ready to make this full commitment yet will follow our lead.”
"Our hope is that our pro-active stance encourages people to do the right thing and get vaccinated," added Marciano. "We’ve already had to deliver bad news about JazzFest this week; I think everyone can agree that we don’t want concerts to go away again, and this is the best way to keep that from happening."
MGK has unveiled his high energy new single “Fix Ur Face” featuring Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.
The intense collaboration sees the rapper turned rocker dive deeper into the hard hitting sound he has been refining over the past few years.
Fusing the raw edge of 90s nu metal with Machine Gun Kelly’s modern alternative style, the track stands out as one of his most aggressive releases so far.
The song dropped alongside a bold black and white video, which premiered across MTV Live, MTVU, and the Paramount Times Square billboards.
Directed by frequent collaborator Sam Cahill, the visual was shot in several cities during mgk’s lost americana tour, including Berlin, Dublin, Düsseldorf, London, Prague, Cologne, Nashville and Los Angeles. It highlights the intensity and intimacy of touring, from packed venues and sweat drenched crowds to the blurred line between performer and fans.
The track was created with his close knit creative team, including SlimXX, BazeXX, RookXX, Nick Long, and No Love For The Middle Child, giving it a gritty and multi generational energy that sets it apart from today’s mainstream rock and rap.
Durst brings a high powered performance, channeling the same raw intensity that shaped Limp Bizkit’s early era.
The video’s look was further developed by street artists Lugosis and Strato, who painted a large mural in Berlin, while Slawn Olaolu designed the character face and jackets featured throughout the clip, adding a distinct DIY feel.
MGK first previewed “Fix Ur Face” during the European run of the lost americana tour, then later shared a snippet during shows in Australia, building strong anticipation among fans.
His relationship with Durst stretches back over a decade, with the two having performed together on multiple occasions, including mgk’s 2014 tour alongside Limp Bizkit.
The lost americana tour is now set to return to the United States, resuming on May 15 with Wiz Khalifa joining as support.
