Memphis singer-songwriter John Paul Keith – who has been acclaimed by American Songwriter, Lyric Magazine and more – says “I respect that Jason is taking the lead on this” despite the backlash. A savvy social media commentator, Keith also spoke out recently, after New Orleans Jazz Fest was canceled, tweeting that the pandemic is jeopardizing not only lives but also musicians’ incomes. He knows several double-vaccinated musicians who needed to postpone tours this summer because of exposure or breakthrough cases.

“This is entirely the fault of the unvaccinated, and the politicians, clergy, and media figures who are lying to them,” Keith says. When asked if he was afraid of online firestorms like the one Isbell’s comments sparked, Keith says, “No, I’m worried about having to cancel my gigs, or getting a breakthrough case.” Although he is fully vaccinated, he frets at the prospect of scrapping the precious tour dates he has, because the pandemic has stifled opportunities to support his latest album. “A lot of independent artists and working musicians are not in a position to demand that the places they play require vaccines. If a bar band musician tries that, they may just find themselves out of a job.”

Austin songwriter Cari Hutson agrees that the precautions for her shows are driven primarily by everyone’s health and safety, with economic ramifications coming in a strong second place.