Just hours after announcing a 16-city tour for next spring and summer, FOO FIGHTERS have canceled one of the shows due to the fact that the Minneapolis, Minnesota venue in question refused to agree to the band’s COVID-19 safety measures.
“Due to Huntington Bank Stadium’s refusal to agree to the band’s Covid safety measures, FOO FIGHTERS are unable to perform at that venue,” the group wrote in a tweet. “We apologize for any inconvenience and are working on finding a suitable replacement — one that will prioritize the health and safety of everyone working and attending the show.”
The FOO FIGHTERS concert at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus was slated to take place August 3, 2022 and was part of the band’s “Live In North America 2022” tour, which is scheduled to kick off May 14, 2022 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.
Although Huntington Bank Stadium requires face masks at indoor settings — such as elevators, restrooms, first aid rooms, enclosed premium areas — there is no mask mandate or requirement of proof of vaccine or negative test results when outdoors.
“The university declined to change its existing protocols for large events, which have been effective,” public relations director Jake Ricker told Star Tribune via e-mail. “We continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, wear a mask when in large crowds, and take appropriate steps to protect public and personal health.”
The University of Minnesota released the following statement regarding the matter: “The University of Minnesota has prioritized the health and wellness of our community and beyond since the beginning of the pandemic and to state otherwise is misleading. In fact, University medical and public health experts, as well as the University’s own research, have consistently informed local, state, national and even worldwide approaches to COVID-19 response.
“Our on-campus policies related to vaccines, mask wearing, personal hygiene and other precautions are aligned with state and federal guidance. As a result, our University community is highly vaccinated (exceeding 95 percent) and has consistently experienced low infection rates compared to our campus’ surrounding communities.
“Huntington Bank Stadium has successfully hosted Gopher Football since August while fully complying with state and federal COVID guidance. All who attend events at our public institution, whether football fans, concert goers, or others, are treated equally and encouraged to take steps to protect themselves and others.”
The 2022 dates will mark FOO FIGHTERS‘ most extensive North American run since the February release of the band’s 10th album, “Medicine At Midnight” (Roswell/RCA) — hailed as “brighter and more optimistic than anything they’ve ever done” (Rolling Stone)” and “one of FOO FIGHTERS‘ best albums of this century” (The Wall Street Journal).
“Medicine At Midnight” landed at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Album Sales chart with first-week sales of 64,000 copies in the U.S.
