By Emma Nolan
Senior Reporter
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The Foo Fighters told concertgoers they must show proof of full vaccination against COVID or evidence of a very recent negative test result if they want to attend the band's Alaska concert dates, in a move that hasn't been well received by some fans.
The beloved rock group announced the requirements for its upcoming Alaska tour via Ticketmaster. The shows in question are scheduled to take place in Anchorage on August 17 and 19 at the Dena'ina Center, and in Fairbanks on August 21 at the Carlson Center.
A statement from Ticketmaster stipulates that a negative test result or proof of vaccination must be provided before entering the venues.
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"By purchasing tickets for this event, I confirm that at the time of the event I will have received a negative COVID-19 test within 48-hours of the event, OR have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (14 days past final vaccination shot), and will provide proof of vaccination prior to entering the venue," the statement reads.
Ticket holders have also been informed that mask wearing is encouraged, but not required.
The "Everlong" rockers previously played in New York on June 20 at Madison Square Garden in a concert that marked the venue's first full-capacity concert in the city since the pandemic started.
News of the vaccine requirement and negative test proof on the Alaska tour hasn't gone down well with people who are opposed to such measures.
Former UKIP member and candidate to become London mayor David Kurten condemned the Foo Fighters for what he called "medical apartheid."
"When I was a boy, almost all musicians and rock stars were against apartheid. Now, with some notable exceptions, the majority of them are imposing it," he tweeted. "Shame on them. #NoMedicalApartheid"
While another person responding to the band's Twitter announcement said: "Wow. I guess I'm done with concerts. I got the vaccine, but I don't feel I need to show my card to see a concert. Good luck with the tour, love you guys."
"I hope people boycott any and all events that require this nonsense," said another.
However, many others welcomed the announcement, with one tweet reading: "The foo fighters are requiring vaccines? Have I told you how much I idolize the foo lately?"
While another added: "Keeping your fans, crew and yourselves safe. Good for you."
Vaccine requirements and proof of negative COVID tests are becoming increasingly prevalent for concerts, festivals and other large scale events as the world attempts to return to normality following the pandemic.
Last week, musician Jason Isbell defended requiring people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend his concerts, saying: "If you're dead, you don't have any freedoms at all."
"It's probably important to stay alive before you start questioning your liberty," the Grammy winner told MSNBC. "It's life, and then it's liberty, and then it's pursuit of happiness. Those are in order of priority."
The festival Lollapalooza also returned this summer and attendees were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result to be permitted.
Meanwhile, Live Nation has announced it will now require all artists, crew members and attendees to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test at their venues and festivals from October 4.
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