LCD sound system have explained why they are not canceling their current live plans despite an increase in COVID-19 cases.
The band said they are aware of the risks, but believe that fans would be "very, very angry if we suddenly canceled."
The LCD sound system is currently in the middle of a residence at Brooklyn Steel in New York, with three shows to play (December 19, 20 and 21). However, with the increase in coronavirus cases in the city, the group has shared a statement explaining why they are not canceling the programs at this time.
Yesterday (December 17), New York State posted a daily record of new COVID cases with locations including Baby is fine Y Union Pool cancel shows as a result.
"We have had a lot of discussions and stress about this between us, and we have decided to play tonight," began the statement from LCD Soundsystem, which they shared before yesterday's concert.
- lcdsoundsystem (@lcdsoundsystem) December 18, 2021
The band went on to say that they โhave known the risks of playing on these shows. When we planned them, we thought we'd be in better shape, COVID-wise, by now, but it didn't work out. We said we would play, and people come, so we are playing.
"But let's be very, very clear, we are not saying by playing that we think it is not a place where you can catch COVID or anything else, really," they added. โOur performing in the program is in no way an indicator that it is safe to attend.
โYesterday we all arrived at the place and we talked about canceling. I was pretty sure we would. But it seemed very last minute. "
The statement then went on to talk about asking guests to wear masks ("which we did, to very little effect") and explained how half of the tickets sold for their upcoming shows were for people from out of town.
With trips and hotels booked, โthey'd probably be very, very angry if we suddenly canceled. There are people who will also be angry with us for playing โ.
They added: โYou must make your own decision as to whether you feel safe coming to see us. If you don't, you can get your money back. You'll be first in line to buy tickets next time we play in New York. We will not hold your money or reschedule it ... The next time there is a concert, you will have the first chance. "
โIf enough people want to cancel, we will cancel the shows and refund everything, putting you in the next row as well. It's the best we can think of. "
The band then urged fans to โdo what's best for you, your family, and your community. We will play again, so don't worry about these particular shows. "
So you don't want to upset the people who traveled for the shows, but what about actual New York residents who are very possibly experiencing an increase in people traveling to see your shows?
- Jennythunders (@ Jennythunders1) December 18, 2021
The statement has caused a split on social media, with some fans praising the "classIn response to the current situation, with others they are upset that the shows go on. "I live a 7-minute walk from BK Steele and the people in the neighborhood are upset that the shows are still going on," he said. a fan.
โYou forgot to mention those who actually live here in your statement. I say this as a person who likes your band and has seen it many times. I may not do it again. "
LCD Soundsystem residency in New York started in november and it was the first time the band played on a show in three years, and James Murphy said the band was on "full pauseโIn early 2021.
The band will broadcast a live concert as part of LCD Soundsystem's Holiday Special which premieres on December 23 at 2 am GMT on Amazon Music Twitch channel.
The spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has also affected programs in the UK, such as Supergrass, Charlatans, Sam fender, Paul weller Y Coldplay having scrapped all recent shows due to COVID while The Streets have withdrawn their entire 2022 tour.
