Following the announcement that bass guitarist Jeff Ament has tested positive for COVID-19, Pearl Jam has canceled the final two gigs on their current US tour.
The two concerts that were cancelled was at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, and a show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The discovery comes only days after Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron tested positive for the virus, prompting the band to call up original drummer Dave Krusen for a gig in Fresno, California.
“We are extremely sorry to everyone out there who have made plans to attend these gigs,” the band wrote in a recent social media message.
“We’ve been paying close attention to remain inside a bubble. We have done everything we possibly could to avoid the infection.”
“Unfortunately, the events in Sacramento and Las Vegas have been canceled. Ticket refunds will be processed automatically to the purchaser’s payment method. We sincerely apologize. Be cautious out there.”
Pearl Jam will embark on a 17-city European tour beginning June 18 in Berlin, Stockholm, London, Paris, and other locations. The band will take a month off after concluding the tour in Amsterdam on July 25 before returning to North America for a stretch of shows beginning September 1.
A rendition of Eruption by guitarist Mike McCready in honor of Eddie Van Halen, as well as a tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins starring Chad Smith and the band’s resident touring guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer, have been highlights of the current US tour.