US country band Old Dominion have shocked the country music world today after announcing that they are canceling their appearances at next week’s Country to Country festivals in the UK.
Concerns regarding the coronavirus have brought on this decision.
“After much consideration, we have decided to withdraw from our upcoming performances as part of the @c2cfestival in Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and Glasgow,” the band wrote on social media today.
“We are so sorry to disappoint our fans overseas; however, with the growing uncertainty and unpredictable nature of the virus that is spreading throughout the world, the safety and security of our entire team is the top priority.”
Old Dominion played at CMC Rocks Qld in 2018 and were named Vocal Group of the Year at the most recent CMA and ACM awards.
They released their self-titled third album last October, which included the hit songs ‘Make It Sweet’ and ‘One Man Band.’
This year’s UK leg of the Country to Country festival is taking place in London, Glasgow, and Dublin.
The artist lineup includes headliners Eric Church, Darius Rucker and Luke Combs performing March 13 through 15.
Reactions to the decision on social media have been mixed.
“Are you cracking jokes? Bought a ticket for country to country London JUST for this … Imagine if everyone in the world stopped doing the jobs that we’ve paid for them to do for fear of over-hyped but factually low risk diseases.” said one frustrated fan on Instagram.
While a more sympathetic fan said, “I respect you for actually see the seriousness in this virus. Might not be serious for everyone, but for those with illnesses this virus can be fatal to!”
There is no suggestion that any of the other artists will cancel their appearances at the event.
UK duo The Shires will replace Old Dominion on the festival line-up.
And while events such as SXSW have been cancelled, there’s no suggestion Country 2 Country or any other country festivals or country tours outside of the USA the world will be cancelled.
“We are forever grateful for every opportunity we get to witness just how far our music is reaching,” Old Dominion continued in their official statement.
“…we will be back across the world as soon as we can.”
Check out ‘Make It Sweet’ by Old Dominion
