The Stereophonics have cancelled their Christmas gigs because of Covid after been accused of 'superspreading' the virus last year.
The Welsh rockers allowed their concert to go ahead in Cardiff in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, which lead to widespread criticism.
The band, which is fronted by singer Kelly Jones, were scheduled to perform at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 17th and 18th, which included a set from music legend Sir Tom Jones, but have decided to scrap the shows.
A statement released today read: “The Principality Stadium and promoters Kilimanjaro Live are regretfully announcing the postponement of the Stereophonics shows scheduled at the stadium for December 17th and 18th.
“We have been working collaboratively throughout to deliver these shows and have sought clarification from Welsh Government following the latest review on current guidelines and legal requirements around face coverings.
“Unfortunately, as the threat of new variants emerge and the restrictions in place as an ‘indoor venue’, the shows are impossible to run safely and ensure compliance with Government guidelines and Welsh law."
On 17 September the Welsh Government announced that people attending large events and nightclubs (or similar premises) will have to prove they are either fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID test.
The Stereophonics' shows have been postponed to June 17th and 18th next year.
The band came under fire last year for going ahead with their concert at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena as the pandemic broke out in March.
Fans were outraged the group decided to perform with one fuming: "This is so selfish, the people in the audience here are unlikely to be in high risk groups (they’re younger), but they could spread it to older friends, relatives and co-workers."
Another said: ""Let's hope there wasn't a super spreader there. Madness."
Despite the nation's best efforts, the coronavirus is still very much part of our lives as the new Omicron variant spreads.
Unfortunately the uncertainty of the situation has put paid to several music gigs being cancelled.
Phil Collins and Genesis cancelled their gig in October in Glasgow and the three dates in London's O2 Arena after several band members tested positive from Covid-19.
In a statement shared by Phil, Genesis said: "Following guidance and advice from the Government, it is with huge regret that the final four shows of Genesis’ Last Domino? Tour (this evening (8/10) at Glasgow SSE Hydro and 11, 12, 13 October at The O2 in London) have had to be postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests within the band."
Meanwhile Jam frontman Paul Weller has cancelled his remaining UK tour dates “due to a band member testing positive for COVID-19”.
His rep said: “We are very sorry to announce that due to a band member testing positive for Covid-19, the remaining tour dates (Norwich 3rd Dec / Lincoln 4th Dec / Cambridge 5th Dec) will not be able to take place on their scheduled dates."
Dua Lipa also had to reschedule her Future Nostalgia UK and European tour to Spring 2022.
In a post on social media the singer said she was "utterly heartbroken" the tour couldn't go ahead this year due to social distancing restrictions still in place.
