Travis Barker slams musicians playing full concerts during the pandemic as ‘disrespectful’: ‘People are dying’
From Smash Mouth to The Chainsmokers, some musicians are choosing to play shows to packed crowds despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
But Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker doesn’t think it’s a good idea, calling the choice ‘disrespectful.’
Barker spoke with TooFab on Wednesday, adding ‘People are dying, you know,’ as the United States soars past 5.5m cases and 173k deaths.
Stop the spread: Travis Barker spoke with TooFab on Wednesday, calling musicians holding full concerts during the pandemic ‘disrespectful’ as the United States soars past 5.5m cases and 173k deaths (pictured in 2019)
‘I think it’s kind of a weird time to play shows,’ he said. ‘I’d rather wait longer, man.’
The 44-year-old said he prefers heading back into studio sessions than adding: ‘I’d rather like tap in the studio. Make great music.’
‘I just think it’s a little disrespectful to go out and be playing shows or have groups of people and have everyone sick you know?’ Barker added.
His comments come after Smash Mouth performed in South Dakota last week to a crowd at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, where few people were seen in masks or to be social distancing.
Make music not cases: ‘I think it’s kind of a weird time to play shows,’ he said. ‘I’d rather wait longer, man.’ The 44-year-old said he prefers heading back into studio sessions than adding: ‘I’d rather like tap in the studio. Make great music’ (pictured on stage with Blink 182 in 2020)
Test case: His comments come after Smash Mouth performed in South Dakota last week to a crowd at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, where few people were seen in masks or to be social distancing.
Controversial: Steve Harwell (second from left) was reported to have said ‘We’re all here together tonight. F*** that COVID s***,’ according to NBC News (pictured in 2003)
Steve Harwell was reported to have said ‘We’re all here together tonight. F*** that COVID s***,’ according to NBC News.
Barker added: “I think it’s a time to just make great music and lock in and you know, twelve months from now go crazy.’
‘Even right now we’re — everyone — has masks on,’ Barker said. ‘I think it’s your responsibility to be safe for your family and other people. I don’t know, lead by example?’
Though he ultimately left decisions up to the people making them: ‘But to each their own, everyone does their own thing you know?’
Good job: Barker did comment the Sam Fender concert in Newcastle, England earlier this month. Fender’s gig was noted as the ‘world’s first socially-distanced gig,’ with platforms and chairs separated by multiple feet and one group per section to limit spread
Be safe: ‘It’s a little weird. It can’t really go off, but at least you’re being safe, and respectful,” Barker added. ‘People are dying, you know’ (pictured with Matt Skiba, Mark Hoppus in 2020)
Barker did comment the Sam Fender concert in Newcastle, England earlier this month.
Fender’s gig was noted as the ‘world’s first socially-distanced gig,’ with platforms and chairs separated by multiple feet and one group per section to limit spread.
‘That’s probably the best example of what it should be if you’re gonna do it right now,’ he said.
‘It’s a little weird. It can’t really go off, but at least you’re being safe, and respectful,” Barker added. ‘People are dying, you know?’