It looks like Sam Hunt won’t be making the trip to the Great White North this year.
He just announced that he’s canceling his headlining appearance next Friday at the Boots & Hearts Music Festival that takes place in Burl’s Creek in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.
Sam’s team issued a statement on Twitter regarding his cancellation, saying they’d hoped Canada would’ve removed their COVID restrictions by now, but since they still have “ongoinggovernment restrictions,” AKA a vaccination requirements for U.S. travelers, he will no longer be able to keep his commitment.
Here’s the full statement:
“Unfortunately, due to ongoing government restrictions, Sam Hunt will not be able to perform at Boots & Hearts Music Festival on August 5th.
We were hopeful these restrictions would be lifted as the date got closer, but it’s now apparent that won’t happen.
Boots & Hearts Music Festival has secured a great replacement, and we hope you can continue to have a great weekend at Burl’s Creek.”
— Sam Hunt (@SamHuntMusic) July 28, 2022
Of course, we’re seeing this across Major League Baseball right now, where various unvaccinated players haven’t been allowed to travel with the team for games against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, as well as former Royals All-Star outfielder (now a Yankee) Andrew Benintendi (and nearly a dozen other Royals), made headlines for missing their respective series in Canada as well.
Jake Owen will take Sam Hunt’s spot in the lineup.
A number of folks took to social media calling for either Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to end the mandate… or, yelling at Sam Hunt for not being vaccinated.
I love it ! @JustinTrudeau has got to go !! #EndTheMandates https://t.co/X2nEzKOfJT
— Dillon Campbell (@DCampbell_92) July 28, 2022
He’s smart enough not to be forced into a medical trial! @SamHuntMusic I am EXTREMELY proud of you for standing up to the BS Canadian restrictions 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/mmKe7tP2fb
— Jenna (@FitlisticJenna) July 28, 2022
Just. Get. Vaccinated. https://t.co/ys2pPp36mk
— Christopher Wensley 🇺🇦 (@mipolitico) July 28, 2022
Another anti-vax country artist? Say it ain’t so!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/VwyqjSe6ca
— Kayla Winkler (@kaylawinkler) July 28, 2022
that is so many words to say you’re anti vax 🤡 https://t.co/WnRrK1ZWfz
— Amanda (@mandapannnda) July 28, 2022
nothing makes me happier than million dollar industries cancelling shows to stand up to tyranny 🥰 https://t.co/aFJcsLjL4b
— Inara✨🦅🇺🇸 (@r_inaaara13) July 28, 2022
The multi-day country music and camping festival is slated for next weekend on August 4th through 7th, and will feature 40 artists across four days, including the great Shania Twain who will close out Sunday night, as well as Morgan Wade, Florida Georgia Line, Dustin Lynch, Niko Moon (yeesh, tough lineup) and plenty more.