Tony Cummings reports on the ever-changing COVID-19 crisis affecting Christian music
The worldwide coronavirus crisis has dramatically hit the world of Christian music. The current tours of the USA of Lauren Daigle, TobyMac, Compassion LIVE (Bethel Music, Matt Maher, Martin Smith, Peabod, Apollo LTD, Elle Limebear), Michael W Smith and Amy Grant have been stopped mid-tour.
Read a statement from Compassion, "Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, and the questions still surrounding it, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining Roadshow 2020 tour dates. While this was an extremely difficult decision for us, the health and well-being of our attendees, performers, staff and community is our top priority. All ticket holders will be issued a refund within 7 days. We appreciate your patience as we navigate a large number of refunds. As you can imagine, cancelling of a tour like this has significant financial ramifications for Compassion LIVE and Compassion International. One of the goals and highlights of our tours are the thousands of children that are released from poverty in Jesus name through child sponsorship. Sponsoring a child through Compassion is a powerful way to make a difference in the world today. The Roadshow and Compassion International are grateful for your partnership in this ministry. We are continually praying for everyone affected by the virus."
Said Michael W Smith about the postponement of his 35 Years Of Friends Tour, "In what people have referred to as uncertain times, I am certain of this: God is in control and loves us more than we can even imagine. I rest in him and I trust him. I look forward to rescheduling these concerts and doing what I feel God has called me to do."
Commented Amy Grant about her decision to reschedule a string of tour dates, "The band and I have worked for weeks putting together a show we were so excited about sharing with everyone. We are extremely disappointed to have to postpone these shows, but we want to prioritize the health and safety of all those in attendance, venue staff, touring staff, performers and families. We hope this down time is effective in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, for all our sakes. Be safe, and be kind to each other!"
The coronavirus has also postponed the planned 11-country tour of Europe by Nashville-based rock band Red.
Read a statement from Britain's Big Church Day Out (set to feature Casting Crowns, Hillsong United, Matt Redman, Crowder and many others in West Sussex on 23rd-24th May), "Following the UK Government's announcement on 12th March that the UK is moving from the containment phase to the delay phase on coronavirus, the Big Church Day Out's management team and Trustees are currently reviewing and monitoring the situation and will be communicating its response to the current situation over the coming weeks. Please pray for the team as they continue to plan the way ahead."
The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.