Eric Clapton Breaks Vow To Never Play Venue With Vaccine Mandate

The Layla singer had previously vowed that he would not perform anywhere that required proof of vaccination.

Darling, you look hypocritical tonight.

Eric Clapton, who has been extremely outspoken against pandemic restrictions, has seemingly broken his promise to never perform at any venue requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination.

The Wonderful Tonight musician was seen in social media posts playing a concert on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Eric Clapton - Layla (Smoothie King Center, September 18, 2021 New Orleans)https://t.co/VIw1iiHraM

— ____ ᛒ.____ (@crossroads__03) September 20, 2021

watching Eric Clapton performing in New Orleans pic.twitter.com/OTcAnWZPFF

— Monica (@monicabridget21) September 19, 2021

Ticketmaster, StubHub and the venue’s official site also boasted the listings for the British rocker’s concert as of Tuesday afternoon.

Eric Clapton show listing on Ticketmaster.
Eric Clapton show listing on Ticketmaster.
Screenshot via Ticketmaster
Eric Clapton show listing on StubHub.
Eric Clapton show listing on StubHub.
Screenshot via StubHub
Eric Clapton show listing on Smoothie King Center’s website.
Eric Clapton show listing on Smoothie King Center’s website.
Screenshot via Smoothie King Center

HuffPost has reached out to the Louisiana venue and Clapton for comment, but has not received a response.

The Smoothie King Center’s website clearly states on its Covid-19 information page that it adheres to local guidelines that require all ticket-holders 12 and older to show proof of having received at least one dose of a vaccine or evidence of a recent negative Covid-19 test.

It also states that all concertgoers are required to wear face masks, but, according to a review of the 14-song show posted on Sunday by the Times-Picayune newspaper, the venue was pretty lax with enforcing these guidelines.

The Times-Picayune staff writer who attended the show reported that “a security guard glanced at a photo of my vaccine card without checking the name against my ID” and that those in the crowd could remove their masks to eat or drink, noting: “A drink, then, doubled as a get-out-of-masking-free card.”

Eric Clapton performs at Music for the Marsden 2020 at The O2 Arena in London. The famed guitarist said in July: "I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present."
Eric Clapton performs at Music for the Marsden 2020 at The O2 Arena in London. The famed guitarist said in July: "I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present."
Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images

The English rocker vowed in July that he would not perform anywhere that required proof of vaccination.

The move was made after Boris Johnson announced that vaccination requirements would be enforced at crowded venues.

“I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present,” the legendary guitarist wrote on the Telegram messaging app in July. “Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”

The Cocaine crooner, who released an anti-vaccine anthem in August, did receive the AstraZeneca doses, however. But he said he suffered “disastrous” side effects that lasted weeks.

The Layla singer, 76, has admitted that his views regarding Covid-19 have alienated him from many of his famous friends.

Van Morrison and Eric Clapton backstage during two sold-out nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April 2009.
Van Morrison and Eric Clapton backstage during two sold-out nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April 2009.
Getty Images

“I’ve tried to reach out to fellow musicians,” he explained during an interview with YouTube free-speech channel Oracle Films in June. “I just don’t hear from them anymore. My phone doesn’t ring very often. I don’t get that many texts and emails anymore. It’s quite noticeable … I was ostracised. And I could feel that everywhere.”

But we suppose Van Morrison, who sued over Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland, still sends a text from time to time.

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