One of country music’s biggest names is pulling his stadium tour upon the delta variant’s pesky surge.
Garth Brooks, who sold out an 86,000-seat Nebraska stadium earlier this week, announced the cancellation of his five remaining shows across the United States for the rest of 2021.
“In July, I sincerely thought the pandemic was falling behind us. Now, watching this new wave, I realize we are still in the fight and I must do my part,” Brooks, 59, said in a statement posted on the tour’s website.
For Brooks, COVID-19 is a personal issue, as his wife and fellow country act Trisha Yearwood contracted the illness earlier this year.
This announcement of country blues will affect shows planned for Boston, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Charlotte and the Nashville show, which was originally postponed after a July rainout.
But there’s hope for fans, as the country star said there are plans to redo the dates in the future.
“But with a hopeful heart, we will reschedule and start over when this wave seems to be behind us,” Brooks said, noting the “joy (he has) seen in everyone’s faces as live music returns.”
According to a tour spokesperson, Brooks’ team will be keeping a tight eye on “the virus’ impact” by making judgment calls based upon how schools, sports leagues and fellow entertainment entities manage the delta variant spike.
“I’m sincerely hoping we are back on tour before the year’s end,” Brooks said, stressing that his team will ensure “the environment these people are trading their time and money to put themselves into is not only the best experience ever but also the safest one we can provide.”