Hold Close announce break after playing a show amid the pandemic
Over the weekend, Hold Close took part in a live performance at the Odyssey Lounge in Springfield, Missouri. Although masks were reportedly mandatory and temperatures were taken before entry, the event soon earned backlash amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, Hold Close have released a statement regarding their decision to take part in the Wreck The Hall 2 event. As well, they have announced an indefinite break.
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On Dec. 5, Hold Close, Lo., Flashing Lights and Envious View took part in the Odyssey Lounge’s Wreck The Hall 2 concert. The venue sold a limited amount of tickets and allegedly enforced social distancing during the event.
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However, news of the concert soon spread and a lot of people weren’t happy. As the United States continues to set new record highs of coronavirus infections and deaths each day, many people believe having the event during the pandemic was the wrong call.
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hey @holdclose_mo i think you should see this and reconsider your holiday show https://t.co/QCroTzGTal
— stef || BLM (@regularstefanie) November 11, 2020
Hey @holdclose_mo & @sethisMusic. There’s a pandemic going on and people are dying, in case you haven’t heard. https://t.co/deeZZsILTm
— Fragile ™ (@CupK8y) December 7, 2020
But come on didn’t you know they’re clearly more important than the rest of the industry who is all hurting and missing shows right now???
— Fragile ™ (@CupK8y) December 7, 2020
Photos and videos from the performance allegedly show that the venue did not enforce social distancing. As well, many of those in the audience did not wear protective face masks despite promises that both would be enforced.
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i dont know who needs to hear this but actually yes i do hey @holdclose_mo pic.twitter.com/3s35VFxgYu
— lily (@lilystgermain) December 7, 2020
Nah dude. That’s not what happened at all. The local venue made promises that safety regulations would be enforced. It was plastered all over their flyers. When the show came, they didn’t enforce the regulations at all. It’s a 50/50 blame
— Sam (@Paintedpeach1) December 7, 2020
The venue made promises that people would be required to wear masks through out the show, and that proper safety regulations would be in place. The band went into the show thinking that’s what was going to happen. The venue didn’t enforce it at all
— Sam (@Paintedpeach1) December 7, 2020
Following the backlash, Hold Close released a lengthy statement on Dec. 6. In the statement, they explain why they decided to take part in the event and apologize for their “selfish desire to play a show.”
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“First, we would like to apologize as a band for playing a show during a pandemic,” Hold Close say. “With COVID cases continuing to rise, we should have not put our own selfish desire to play a show before the health and safety of others. We will not be participating in any events in the future where others will be at risk. [We] had a mutual desire to assist our local venue in keeping afloat during such a trying time. We allowed that to cloud our judgment and we are incredibly sorry.”
Hold Close go on to say that their goal as a band is to “always create a safe and open space” for their fans. Along with apologizing to their fanbase who have supported them for years, Hold Close say that they are taking a break.
“For those who came to last night’s show, we are sorry for being the ones who put you at risk,” they continue. “We highly encourage you all to get tested, socially distance and if possible, quarantine. We will also be doing the same. As a band, we are going to be stepping back and taking a break for a while. We would like to reflect on our actions and thoughts that led us to play a show during such a serious time. We are committed to righting these actions.”
Regarding last nights show: pic.twitter.com/1p4pFNqJ5u
— HOLD CLOSE (@holdclose_mo) December 7, 2020
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Since the release of their statement, Hold Close have received mixed reactions. While some believe they shouldn’t have to apologize, others think they should’ve held a livestream concert like so many other artists have done throughout 2020.
You want to help a venue? Perform there without a crowd but live stream it, sharing a portion of ticket revenue with them. Be responsible about it, not selfish
I never heard of this band, but this dog shit decision has eliminated any interest i would have had to check them out
— Rσƈƙ Sσʅιԃ (@SirCyanid3) December 7, 2020
They did their job selfishly. Why should all other bands have to resort to empty rooms and livestreams, to then watch these guys advertise a legit gig, enticing fans to group together, in a very limited, warm area of space for a handful of hours?
— ??????? (@my_st_veronica) December 7, 2020
you only feel bad because you got backlash & were rightfully called out for being irresponsible. if you truly were worried about people’s wellbeing you wouldn’t have even entertained the idea of holding a show. bad move
— em✨ (@twilightdayglow) December 7, 2020
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Now, this isn’t the first time large gatherings have come together for live music amid the coronavirus pandemic. This summer, Smash Mouth and Trapt were among the artists who performed at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photos and videos from the event showed that social distancing and mask-wearing were not enforced. Health officials now say that the motorcycle rally is linked to over 260,000 COVID-19 cases in the Midwestern United States.
Plenty of artists have found other ways to safely bring live music to fans this year. Dance Gavin Dance, Billie Eilish, the Maine, All Time Low, Black Veil Brides and Underoath are just a few of the artists who have held livestreamed concerts in 2020.
Other acts have also utilized drive-ins this year. Over the summer, Andrew McMahon celebrated the Everything In Transit anniversary with various drive-in performances. The Beach Boys and Sublime With Rome are a few of the other musicians to also give this format of live music a try in 2020.
What are your reactions to Hold Close having a concert during the coronavirus pandemic? What do you think about their apology? Let us know in the comments below.
