Queen + Adam Lambert, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake announce cancellations due to coronavirus

Earlier this morning, Queen + Adam Lambert issued a short statement confirming their gig at Paris AccorHotels Arena on 26th May 2020 won’t be going ahead as planned.

“Unfortunately, our show in Paris has had to be postponed following a government decree in France to cancel all indoor events over 5000 capacity in France until 31st May in an effort to contain the spread of Coronavirus,” Queen + Adam Lambert said.

“We are currently working with the promoter to try to reschedule the date. We will make a further announcement at the earliest opportunity.”

Queen + Adam Lambert's Rhapsody Tour comes to the UK in June for 10 dates at London’s The O2 and two shows at Manchester Arena and Birimingham Arena.

Whitesnake have also axed their entire March 2020 Japanese tour due to COVID-19, writing: We regret to announce that Whitesnake’s Japan Tour which had been scheduled for March has been unavoidably postponed due to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus.

“Currently, we are working on rescheduling the dates. We deeply apologize to all parties concerned especially those customers who bought tickets and have been looking forward to the Whitesnake shows.”

Whitesnake, who tour the UK with Foreigner this summer, released this video message to their fans:

Ozzy Osbourne has also cancelled his scheduled appearance at South By Southwest Festival in Texas later this month amid coronavirus concerns.

Ozzy was due to attend the event to support the world premiere screening of Biography: the Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and Beastie Boys' Ad-Rock and Mike D have also axed their appearances at SXSW.

Yesterday, Sons of Apollo postponed their remaining European tour dates – including a slot at London Islington Assembly Hall on Thursday 19th March because of the coronavirus.

Sons of Apollo issued a lengthy statement last night saying they are “devastated” to postpone the tour but, logistically, there was no guarantee the shows would happen.

On Wednesday (4th March) Michael Schenker Fest axed their Japanese tour, writing: “It’s with great sadness that we have to cancel the Michael Schenker Fest tour in Japan due to the spread of the coronavirus. You’ll be able to claim a refund for your tickets, Stay safe and sorry for the disappointment.”

Michael Schenker Fest come to the UK in April for shows in Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Leeds, and London.

Iowan masked metallers Slipknot also cancelled their entire Asian tour, including their two headline shows at Knotfest Japan, due to coronavirus.

Other bands who have postponed or axed tour in recent days and weeks include Green Day, Lacuna Coil, Behemoth, Pixies, Trivium and Testament.

Meanwhile, Tool fans who attended the band's show in Auckland, New Zealand on 28th February are being urged to watch out for coronavirus symptoms after an attendee posted positive for Covid-19.

As of 6th March 2020, over 98,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed across the globe and there have been over 3,300 deaths.