Colter Wall Cancels Winter Tour Dates, Addresses Criticisms

It’s hard enough for artists to know how to navigate touring and live performance in the pandemic era with the constantly changing restrictions, the lifting of restrictions, the re-implementation of restrictions, as well as lockdowns and mandates that are different for every locality, and changing everyday.

It makes it even worse when politically-incited factions of fans place severe judgement upon these artists as they simply try to make tough decisions that not only affect themselves, but their fellow band mates and touring personnel, and the local venues hosting the events.

For many artists, on the road playing shows is where they make their living, not off the penny fractions earned from streaming services. So cancelling tours and events comes at a great financial burden to themselves and those they support.

All of this is complicated even more when international borders are involved, which is the case for Saskatchewan, Canada native Colter Wall.

On Wednesday evening (1-5), Colter Wall chose to cancel a host of dates scheduled in January and February saying, “Touring in the current conditions doesn’t make much sense to us right now. So the January and February dates are canceled. Refunds are at point of purchase. Be on watch for more videos and merch.”

On cue, Colter Wall received strong criticism for his decision, mostly from individuals saying the concerns for the current Omicron surge were unfounded. But what these critics were not taking into consideration is how many of the decisions on touring are out of Colter Wall’s hands.

On Thursday, Colter Wall addressed these criticisms, saying,

First, I’d like to thank everyone who continues to support my music and to personally address the recent show cancellations.

As I’ve stated before, it’s not my business to tell someone they can or cannot come to my live shows. That’s why I’ve done my best to avoid mask and Covid vaccine issues. With that said, it has become increasingly difficult to tour once again, not only because of requirement issues, but all the bullshit that comes with it.

One positive Covid test can stop a tour, leave venues short staffed, or even prevent me from crossing the border to get home. That’s no way to work. And frankly, I’m not putting up with the aggravation of trying to navigate all the damn politics involved. So for now, I’m staying off the road and will stick to ranching, writing songs, and recording music. I appreciate your understanding and continued support.

From the beginning, Colter Wall has seemed to be open to attempting to tour during the pandemic when he can, but if it seems that it’s more hassle than it’s worth, his approach has been, “Screw it, let’s go ride horses.”

Colter Wall and everyone else is just trying to do the best they can navigating both an unprecedented, and a prolonged situation.

CANCELED TOUR DATES:

January 12- New Orleans, LA at Civic Theatre
January 14- Houston, TX at White Oak Music Hall
January 15- New Braunfels,TX at Gruene Hall
January 16- New Braunfels, TX at Gruene Hall
January 18- Oklahoma City, OK at Tower Theater
January 21- Denver, CO at Mission Ballroom
February 3- Tulsa, OK at Cain’s Ballroom
February 4- Fayetteville, AR at George’s Majestic Lounge
February 5- Fayetteville, AR at George’s Majestic Lounge

Colter Wall also just released another installment from his “Live In Front of Nobody” performance:

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