Pearl Jam Postpones Tour Over Coronavirus Concerns

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle grunge superstars Pearl Jam are postponing the first leg of their 2020 North American tour due to mounting concerns over the new coronavirus in Washington and across the United States.

"It's been brutal and it's gonna get worse before it gets better," the band posted on social media. "We are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list of things to avoid."

Pearl Jam's decision follows recommendations by King County that residents avoid gathering in groups of 10 people or more. So far, the "social distancing" measures have been voluntary and planned sporting events have taken place, with lower-than-usual attendance. The organizers of Emerald City Comic Con, an event that typically draws 100,000 fans, announced Friday the convention would be postponed until summer.

The Seattle Times reports state health officials have discussed instituting mandatory measures, including involuntary isolation and major event cancellations. According to an update provided Monday, at least 165 illnesses linked to COVID-19 have been confirmed in Washington and 22 people have died, with the majority of illnesses and deaths in King County.

Related: 3 More Coronavirus Patients Die, 33 New Cases In King County

Pearl Jam posted a 10-part thread explaining their decision on Twitter:

As residents of the city of Seattle, we’ve been hit hard and have witnessed firsthand how quickly these disastrous situations can escalate. Our kids’ schools have closed along with universities and businesses. It’s been brutal and it’s gonna get worse before it gets better. So we are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list of things to avoid as this global health crisis is now beginning to affect all of our lives. Unfortunately, communing in large groups is a huge part of what we do as a band and the tour we’ve been busy planning for months is now in jeopardy...We have and will always keep the safety and well-being of our supporters as top priority.

So it is with deep frustration and regret that we are forced to make this most unfortunate of announcements...This scheduled first leg of our PJ/Gigaton tour will need to be postponed and shows rescheduled for a later date. We’ve worked hard with all our management and business associates to find other solutions or options but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level. Add to that we also have a unique group of passionate fans who travel far and wide. We’ve always been humbled by this and respect their energies and devotion. However in this case, travel is something to avoid. It certainly hasn’t helped that there’s been no clear messages from our government regarding people’s safety and our ability to go to work. Having no examples of our national health department’s ability to get ahead of this, we have no reason to believe that it will be under control in the coming weeks ahead.

Again, here in Seattle what we are witnessing we would not wish for anyone. What we do wish for the rest of the country is that they can avoid the harsh negative effects of this and retain their sense of community and take care of one another. Just as we look forward to our next concerts and the ability to gather together and play loud songs as energized as ever. We are so sorry…And deeply upset..If anyone out there feels the same based on this news, we share that emotion with you.

-Ed & Pearl Jam