Introduction:
Travis Tritt Cancels Shows at Venues With COVID-19 Restrictions
Country music star Travis Tritt has announced that he will no longer perform at venues that require face masks, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or what he calls “unreasonable” COVID safety protocols.
Speaking in an interview, Tritt explained his decision, emphasizing that the move was not about ignoring health concerns but about standing up for his fans.
“We’ve done about 75 shows so far this year all over the country. In spite of people labeling them ‘super-spreaders,’ the actual numbers don’t reflect that at all,” Tritt said. “Quite the opposite—COVID numbers in most of these areas have dropped dramatically.”
According to Tritt, the new restrictions being placed on fans were not coming from state or local governments, but directly from promoters and venue owners. Many fans, he said, were blindsided.
“They weren’t warned about these mandates ahead of time, showed up at the gate, and were turned away without even being offered refunds,” he said. “It was heartbreaking. These people have been shut out of concerts for over a year, and now they’re being turned away for no clear reason.”
Tritt believes the rules go beyond safety and instead divide audiences.
“This is not about following the science,” he argued. “This is about trying to divide people, to shame people, and to discriminate against folks they don’t feel are ‘clean enough’ to enjoy a concert.”
When asked why he was taking a stand while many other touring artists have remained silent, Tritt pointed to his roots.
“I come from a hardworking, middle-class family. I came from nothing, and I’ve been blessed with a career that’s lasted over 35 years,” he said. “I know these people—hardworking Americans who just want to take care of their families, put food on the table, and occasionally enjoy a night out at a concert. I felt like I had to stand up for freedom at home, freedom for all of those people.”
Tritt acknowledged that the decision could cost him financially, but said that freedom and fairness for fans come first.