Two of the world's most significant active jam bands are not playing it cool on COVID-19.
Both Phish and Dead & Company announced Thursday in separate statements that all ticketholders at each stop of their respective upcoming tours will need to show either proof that they are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 or that they have tested negative for the virus within 48 hours of showtime to be admitted to the venues.
Children under age 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine may attend, as long as they have proof of a negative COVID test.
Dead & Co. will not allow pit access to anyone not fully vaccinated, including children who are not eligible for the vaccine.
"Requiring vaccinations & testing is one of the best ways to protect the health and safety of our band, crew, and fans," Dead & Co. said in a press release. "There are no exceptions to these policies."
Dead & Company — the band featuring surviving Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti — begins its 31-date tour on Monday, August 16 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The trek wraps up on October 31.
Get all the Dead & Co. tour dates here.
Phish announced that it will begin enforcing the new vaccination/COVID testing rules, beginning with its Aug. 27 - 29 concerts at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington.
Phish clarified in its own statement that ticketholders attending multiple shows, such as the band's three-night stand at the Gorge would not have to get subsequent tests if they are attending multiple shows.
Ticketholders will get more details via email.
"We strongly recommend that you wear a mask at Phish shows when social distancing isn't possible," the band added. "Thanks for continuing to do your part and stay safe!"
Get all of Phish's tour dates here.