Great White Apologizes for Performing Show with No Social Distancing
Great White has issued an apology following video surfacing from their July 9 concert in North Dakota where fans in attendance were not social distancing or wearing masks.
In a statement to Blabbermouth, the band said, “Great White would like to address our Thursday, July 9, at First On First Dickinson Summer Nights concert in North Dakota. We understand that there are some people who are upset that we performed this show, during this trying time. We assure you that we worked with the Promoter. North Dakota’s government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws.”
The statement continued, “We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement. The Promoter and staff were nothing but professional and assured us of the safety precautions. Our intent was simply to perform our gig, outside, in a welcoming, small town. We value the health and safety of each and every one of our fans, as well as our American and global community. We are far from perfect.”
As for statements from the promoter or anyone affiliated with organizing the concert, First On First: Dickinson Summer Nights event coordinator April Getz told local newspaper The Dickinson Press, “We do not have restrictions, believe it or not, we don’t have any. I guess it’s one of the first events this year that didn’t get canceled and was approved by the city; we’re all very, very excited about it… It’s one of those things where if people feel comfortable coming down and mixing and mingling, that’s their personal choice. We’re leaving it up to everybody that chooses to attend.”
This isn’t Great White’s first controversial concert. The band, then known as Jack Russell’s Great White, performed at the Rhode Island club The Station in February 2003 when the band’s pyro caused a massive fire that killed 100 people and left 200 people injured.
