After Testing Positive for COVID, Jason Isbell Postpones Tour Dates

Jason Isbell has cancelled two and postponed five of his upcoming US tour dates with his band The ‘400 units’. In a tweet Isbell explained he’d contracted a breakthrough case of the virus, noting that he is feeling fine but would have to cancel his scheduled shows in Asheville, slated for January 11-12. Concerts in Louisville (January 14-15), Columbus, Ohio (January 16), Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (January 17), and Wilmington, N.C. (January 19) will be rescheduled. His next tour date will be January 21 in Charlotte, N.C., with opener Adia Victoria.

It’s unclear if the country-rocker plans to reschedule those dates for the future, though he did note in a follow-up tweet that shows in Louisville, Columbus, Wilkes-Barre and Wilmington which were initially said to be cancelled would be rescheduled.

Talking about the Covid- 19 safety measure on tour, he mentioned that any visitor at his show would need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result. When a venue in Houston refused to implement this policy, he cancelled his show outright.

He also talked about his COVID 19 diagnosis. He said, “I was experiencing lotta sinus drainage type stuff, scratchy in my throat and some muscle aches, but assured fans he had “no cough or breathing issues”. He also pointed out that he was “boosted and very grateful for it”.

Last September, Isbell released his eighth studio album, ‘Georgia Blue’. His fifth with ‘The 400 Unit’, came as Isbell’s first cover album, dedicated to songs by bands, artists, and musicians from the state of Georgia.

Isbell criticized promoters at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville earlier this week for allowing Morgan Wallen to perform. He Tweeted that they “had a choice. Either upset one guy and his ‘team’, or break the hearts of a legion of aspiring Black country artists”.

—Apeksha