WE’RE FIGHTING BACK: Singer Eric Clapton says he will REFUSE to play at venues that require proof of vaccination

British rock singer Eric Clapton has said he will not perform at venues that require attendees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said proof of vaccination must be shown at clubs and venues from September. Clapton said he will not perform anywhere there is a “discriminated audience present.” Clapton said he felt “honour bound” to make the statement, which was posted on Wednesday to the accounts of Italian architect and film producer Robin Monotti. In May, Clapton said he had experienced a “severe” reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

In a letter to Mr Monotti, he blamed “propaganda” for overstating the safety of the vaccine. He added that he feared the “disastrous” reaction would leave him unable to play music again. Clapton’s next UK show is scheduled for May 2022 at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The venue has said people may be asked to show their Covid status ahead of an event.

Clapton also has eight US concerts scheduled in September of this year. Vaccine proof is currently not required at most music venues in the US. Clapton appeared on Van Morrison’s anti-lockdown track “Stand and Deliver”, one of three songs written by Van Morrison to protest lockdown.