Avril Lavigne postpones Asian tour due to coronavirus threat

By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu - 5 years ago

Avril Lavigne, ‘Head Above Water’. Image: Courtesy BMG

MANILA, Philippines – International pop punk artist Avril Lavigne has decided to postpone the Asian leg of her Head Above Water tour, which includes a stop in the Philippines, due to the threat of the COVID-19.

Lavigne announced in her Instagram post and story on Sunday (Manila time) that her shows from April 23 to May 24, meaning different shows in China, Japan, Manila, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, would not push through.

“I am so sad to announce that we are unable to tour the Asian markets due to the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus,” the Sk8er Boi singer said. “My band, crew, and I have been working so hard to bring this tour worldwide and are completely bummed out.”

Despite the postponed shows, Lavigne gave her fans something to look forward to, saying that they might announce when the shows would be rescheduled.

“Please everybody take care of yourselves and stay healthy. You’re in my thoughts and prayers and we are hoping to announce rescheduled shows soon,” she added.

The Canadian rocker’s concert in Manila was supposed to take place at the Araneta Coliseum on May 20, under Wilbros Live. It would have been her second concert in Manila after her “The Avril Lavigne Tour” in 2014.

READ: Avril Lavigne to return to Manila in May 2020 for ‘Head Above Water’ concert tour

Aside from Lavigne, there are other artists like punk rock band Green Day who also canceled their Asian tour due to the COVID-19, which has infected thousands in this part of the world.

READ: Green Day postpones Asia tour due to health concerns amid coronavirus outbreak

Green Day’s “Hello Mega Tour” was supposed to be on March 14 at the Mall of Asia arena.

Prior to these announcements, several acts and public events have been either canceled or rescheduled due to the disease, like book signing events by renowned author Mitch Albom, and the concert of 90’s boyband 98 Degrees.

READ: Promoters cancel, delay events over virus threat

As of Sunday, more than 85,000 individuals have been infected with the COVID-19, previously known as the 2019 Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). At least 2,900 persons have died due to the disease, with a large concentration of the infections and deaths coming from China, the virus’ place of origin.