The list of postponements throughout the music and entertainment industry due to the coronavirus pandemic grows longer, as both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Record Store Day have been pushed back. The Hall of Fame ceremony had been slated for May 2, while Record Store Day would have been April 18.
In a statement, the Rock Hall said, “The health and safety of our fans and visitors is our highest priority. Given recent news regarding coronavirus and the urging by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine regarding large public gatherings, we have made the decision to postpone the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Induction Week festivities until later this year. Additional details, including new dates and ticket information, will be announced shortly and shared directly with ticket holders and supporters. Details of the rescheduled HBO live broadcast of the event will be announced at a later date as well.
“Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster for the Ceremony at Public Hall will be honored for the rescheduled date. Any Induction Fest Gold Passes or Watch Party tickets purchased through the Rock Hall will be refunded, and we will alert you via email of the opportunity to purchase those at a later date.
“This week Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson issued a Proclamation of Civil Emergency with the goal of minimizing the impact, severity and duration of COVID-19 as it spreads. “To me, the most important thing is minimizing the impact [of the coronavirus]” said the Mayor. County Executive Armond Budish also issued a State of Emergency declaration yesterday that helped inform our decision.”
Meanwhile, the organizers of Record Store Day said, “We’ve decided that the best of all possible moves is to change the date of Record Store Day this year to Saturday, June 20.
“We think this gives stores around the world the best chance to have a profitable, successful Record Store Day, while taking into consideration the recommendations of doctors, scientists, the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the need to be good citizens of both local and worldwide communities.
“We’re working with all of our partners and our stores to make this change as smooth as possible for everyone who participates in Record Store Day: customers, record stores, artists, labels and more. Record Store Day is everywhere and we want to hold our party when everyone can gather around safely to celebrate life, art, music and the culture of the indie record store.”
