'Stop being so spoiled': Trampled By Turtles singer's response to complaints about vaccine requirements
The lead singer of Duluth's Trampled By Turtles has just about had it with those complaining about requirements to show proof of a COVID vaccine or a negative test to attend some live concerts.
Dave Simonett rebuked complainers with a post on the band's Instagram page, alongside a picture of an apparent anti-vaxxer holding up a sign saying: "Trampled By Tyranny."
Some of Trampled By Turtles' recent performances alongside Chicago's Wilco have required COVID vaccines or a negative test to attend, and in his post, Simonett explained just quite why they are necessary, despite saying that he doesn't "feel like I should have to spell this out."
"Everyone in our business was just out of work for a long time. Everyone. Bands, crews, managers, booking agents, venues, sound companies, catering companies, security companies, beer vendors, cleaning companies…too many to list," he wrote. "Now we’ve all been able to go back to work which is wonderful. However, if people start getting COVID at concerts, it all gets shut down for us yet again.
"If any one of the 25 or so people on this tour test positive, the rest of the shows get canceled. There are a lot of people that depend on these shows for their living."
The Star Tribune noted there was some pushback when Riverfest in Grand Rapids – which TBT was playing – instituted a vaccine/negative test requirement earlier this month, though some of the grumblings were partly because a later concert by the band, at Treasure Island Casino Amphitheater on Sept. 18, didn't have such a requirement.
In the event that proof of vaccine/negative tests are required, Simonett acknowledges it's an inconvenience for fans, but it's a "price we have to pay to keep concerts happening at the moment."
"Trust me, I can’t wait to not give a s*** about your personal health care choices once again," he wrote. "But you are adults. If you don’t like the request then don’t go to concerts for the time being. Easy as that.
"I know that’s not ideal. But seriously, tyranny? Ha. There’s plenty of countries around the world in which you could experience actual tyranny. Stop being so spoiled. We are a band. We have no means by which to inflict tyranny upon you."
