Jason Isbell's Vaccination Policy is Right Decision for Safety of Fans

Julian Spivey Photo

by Julian Spivey
“What’ve I done to help? What’ve I done to help but not myself” – Jason Isbell sings on the track “What’ve I Done to Help” on his band’s 2020 album Reunions.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, Isbell went quite a way in living up to those lyrics when he announced on MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle Reports that he wouldn’t perform at any venue on his tour that wouldn’t adhere to his vaccine requirements for concerts that have fans show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to the show upon entrance at the venue.

His announcement immediately caused controversy because to some the Covid-19 pandemic has been a matter of freedom more than public safety all along, as ignorant as that may be.

Most venues have adhered to Isbell’s policy thus far, with one show at Houston’s Cynthia Woods Mitchel Pavilion that was set for August 11 being canceled. The venue said it was more of a timing issue than disagreement with Isbell’s policy.

This was a matter that personally affected my plans this week because I have tickets for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Little Rock, Ark. show at the First Security Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 14 and was worried the venue would make some dumbass statement over the policy because Arkansas isn’t exactly the most progressive state in the country and has done terribly when it comes to its citizens getting vaccinated.

I’m thrilled the venue is going forward with the show and will be more than happy to show my vaccination card to the usher upon reaching the gate. More than that I’m thrilled to be a bit less worried during the show without the unclean being around.

I find it asinine that Isbell has become the target of so much hate over his decision to enforce a vaccination policy on his tour. I think it’s admirable that he wants to try to protect his fans (and himself and his bandmates and tour personnel) the best he can. I think it’s important for an award-winning artist of his stature to take a stand and say, and these aren’t his words but rather my take on it: “if you want to come out and see live music, you need the vaccine (or at least a recent negative test), because the way things are going, we’re going to have to shut everything down like we did in 2020.”

If you have a problem with Isbell’s policy – don’t go to his show (not that you could anyway). Concerts aren’t a right. They’re a privilege. This isn’t discrimination because everyone (age 12 and up) has availability to the vaccine as it’s free – hell, Arkansas had to throw out thousands of vaccines recently simply because people didn’t want them. It’s no more discriminating for a venue (or any business for that matter) to make you show a vaccine passport before entering than it is for it to enforce a dress code.

I applaud Isbell for taking a stand, especially knowing it was one that could cause him money and potentially even “fans.” I think fans of live music better get used to this because I think it’s only the beginning and we’re going to see many other artists follow suit.

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