Travis Tritt cancels shows at venues that require COVID-19 vaccines, negative tests, masks

Travis Tritt has canceled shows at venues requiring masks, proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative test.

The country singer and songwriter announced the move Monday, which triggered the cancellation of four upcoming shows in Muncie, Indiana; Philadelphia, Mississippi; Peoria, Illinois; and Louisville, Kentucky.

“I’m putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated," Tritt, 58, said in a written statement.

He continued: "Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately."

An increasing number of venues and artists nationwide have added the safeguards as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, requiring vaccination proof or a negative test to enter. Jason Isbell is requiring the same for upcoming concerts.

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Tritt said he has been vocal against mandates "since the beginning" of the pandemic and supports those who are "taking a firm stand" against them: "This is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes."

He apologized for any inconvenience to fans who bought tickets to the canceled events and said his team will try to reschedule unrestricted shows as soon as they can.

Tritt followed up his declaration on Twitter Monday, writing, "The fear-mongering narrative is breaking down. People who stand up against this narrative scare the hell out of those who promote fear. Hold the line and stand strong."

The "Country Club" singer previously called vaccine policies at concerts "discriminatory."

“I have always been a huge defender of basic human rights and liberty for all,” Tritt said. “No government, employer, or private entity should ever be allowed to infringe on those rights and liberties. I’m also very much against discrimination of any kind. All forms of discrimination need to be called out and condemned in the strongest terms possible.”

Other artists have come out against COVID-19 safeguards for concerts, including Van Morrison and Eric Clapton, who released a COVID policy protest song in August called "This Has Gotta Stop."

Contributing: Cydney Henderson

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Travis Tritt cancels shows at venues with COVID-19 restrictions