John Paul Jones’ Only 2020 US Performance Canceled Due To Coronavirus
Words by Riley Fitzgerald
Graphic by Disc
John Paul Jones‘ only 2020 North American performance has been canceled due to Conronvirus concerns.
The former Led Zeppelin bassist, keyboardist, and arranger had initially been slated to appear at Big Ears Festival in Tennesse this March.
The event has now been canceled.
“It has become clear,” the event’s organizers have shared in an official statement, “that we must cancel Big Ears 2020.”
“Just 48 hours ago,” they continue, “we were optimistic that there was a path forward; but with events surrounding COVID-19 developing rapidly along with the obvious need for urgent steps to contain its spread, we simply cannot move forward with the festival as scheduled. This has been a tough decision. Not only is the principle that ‘the show must go on’ woven into our DNA, but the impact of this cancellation on the community that makes Big Ears possible — the artists, the festival attendees, our staff and production teams, and the Knoxville community with all of its businesses and workers — cannot be overstated.”
“Unfortunately Big Ears Festival has been canceled this year” reads a message via John Paul Jones’ official Facebook page. “John & Anssi (Sons Of Chipotle) will not be able to perform at the event.”
Big Ears will be offer refunds to all who have purchased tickets.
The announcement also casts doubt over the second appearance in Italy, a country which is also experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, this June may also be subject to cancellation.
With the grim reality the coronavirus of live music events hanging over the industry at large, it is also possible that Jones’ fellow Zeppelin bandmember Robert Plant‘s May US tour could also be canceled.
Robert Plant and Saving Grace Tour 2020
May 12 — Minneapolis, MN @ Pantages Theatre
May 13 — Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
May 15 — Chicago, IL @ Old Town School of Folk Music: Maurer Hall
May 17 — Charleston, WV @ Mountain Stage – The Clay Center
May 19 — Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
May 20 — New York, NY @ The Town Hall
May 23 — Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
