Bristol Rhythm & Roots headliner Jason Isbell: No proof of COVID vaccine, no show

One of the headliners of next month’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion says he will not take the stage at any venue if spectators do not provide proof of a COVID vaccine or negative coronavirus test.

Jason Isbell and his band the 400 Unit just implemented the requirement for crowds at their shows following a series of dates in Austin, Texas where concertgoers were asked to wear masks or receive a refund.

Isbell told MSNBC that some states’ political leaders have voiced the message of taking vaccines is taking away freedom. He also said that he is all for freedom, but if you’re dead you don’t have any freedoms at all.

We’re now requiring proof of vaccination or a current negative test to attend all our shows, indoors or out. If the venue won’t allow that, we won’t play. https://t.co/KSYmsT5qAl

— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) August 9, 2021

We have reached out to Rhythm & Roots staff for comment on the Isbell issue.

Besides a stop in Bristol in September, Isbell also has a string of shows in Tennessee including Bonnaroo in Manchester, also next month, and for the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in October.

(IMAGE: Jason Isbell / Official Instagram / Public digital file)