It was not that long ago Eric Clapton was in the news for refusing the play in venues that require COVID vaccination.
In July, Clapton announced via theTelegram:
"I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present."
"Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show."
Then in August, he released a song called "This Has Got to Stop" which promoted anti-lockdown and anti-public health protocols protests.
Now he's gone back on his word.
Clapton was seen playing a concert Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
watching Eric Clapton performing in New Orleans https://t.co/OTcAnWZPFF— Monica (@Monica) 1632029254.0
Eric Clapton @ Smoothie King Center. New Orleans, LA https://t.co/e9dlenWZM6— Ari Solernó (@Ari Solernó) 1632031307.0
After vowing in July never to play at a venue that required vaccines, and even releasing a music video about it, Er… https://t.co/JkxGfh4TZC— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1632221623.0
The Smoothie King Center has very clear vaccine requirements of at least one shot and a PCR test for the virus no more than 72 hours before the event. However, Times-Picayune newspaper reported security did not check vaccine cards against their ID so there's no telling if everyone there was actually vaccinated.
There are also mask requirements when not eating or drinking but it was a free for all if anyone was holding a beer.
Most people are convinced he is going through with the concerts for the money.
@RonFilipkowski Money doesn’t talk, it screams— Sasha schnauzer (@Sasha schnauzer) 1632221703.0
@HayesThompson @RonFilipkowski And by fans you mean the little green fans, of course. https://t.co/4CbXLIB5ZT— Hannes Guddat (@Hannes Guddat) 1632270861.0
@RonFilipkowski So firm in beliefs. Such bravery. 🤦🏻— JavaManActual (@JavaManActual) 1632221685.0
@RonFilipkowski Probably told to by his lawyer since they couldn't find an escape clause in the contract. Unlike a… https://t.co/VCJyQWgz4W— David Elrod (@David Elrod) 1632221734.0
@RonFilipkowski Ah, money, the secret to COVID responsibility. Let’s make treatment if you’re vaccinated free and… https://t.co/xdBz6WkNiU— hrokr (@hrokr) 1632221806.0
@RonFilipkowski This is going to start happening with greater frequency as vaccine mandates become more prevalent.… https://t.co/fULCefjLeM— Strawman Gaslight Fusion (@Strawman Gaslight Fusion) 1632221985.0
@RonFilipkowski @Locou9 He was my favorite guitarist. EC to me. First name out of my mouth if someone asked. Tears… https://t.co/IFFTxGXBFT— Debbie Hupp (@Debbie Hupp) 1632230587.0
@RonFilipkowski For Clapton it was never about the best interest of people it was always about the money hypocrisy at its best— Heather ON (@Heather ON) 1632223242.0
@RonFilipkowski https://t.co/YITxVgZIHe— Kathy Kaiser (@Kathy Kaiser) 1632222466.0
Clapton himself is fully vaccinated.
The main, if not only reason, he is against the vaccine is he claimed to experience "disastrous" weeklong side effects.
In an interview, Clapton said he feels "ostracized" by his famous friends since making his stance on vaccines:
"I've tried to reach out to fellow musicians."
"I just don't hear from them anymore."
"My phone doesn't ring very often. I don't get that many texts and emails anymore."
"It's quite noticeable … I was ostracized. And I could feel that everywhere."
Well, maybe Van Morrison still talks to him.