Some big artists rescheduling

Neither artist had postponed nor cancelled their shows as of Tuesday afternoon, however Live Nation acknowledged the possibility in an emailed statement.

“The changes in regulations may result in the postponement of some shows. All ticket-holders will be contacted directly, and more information will follow,” the firm said.

Some big names have already moved upcoming Canadian tour dates away from the first half of the year, including Dua Lipa who was slated to play Montreal and Toronto in February. Those shows are now slated for July.

In the theatre sector, many companies have chosen to sit out the first several months of the year in hopes spring will bring certainty.

“The theatre sector is so exhausted from false starts,” said Mitchell Marcus, chief executive of the Musical Stage Company. “They continue to show, as has been shown so many times in the pandemic, that there isn’t fairness for the arts when the government is looking at the reopening strategy.”

Some of Ontario’s concert halls are planning to push ahead in the coming weeks.

Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music resumes performances at half capacity in early February. Executive director Mervon Mehta said it’s important for the non-profit to find a path forward for its donors and supporters, even if its organizers are “scratching our heads” at how provincial leaders drafted the latest guidelines.

“We’re glad to open gradually and we want to be cautious … but let’s follow the science; let’s not follow the politics,” he said. “That’s all we’ve been asking for all along.”