Dale Watson Refuses Performance Due to COVID Vaccine Requirement

Dale Watson announced via Facebook on Thursday (December 2) that he will not be performing on the upcoming Outlaw Cruise because of his unwillingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Watson had been scheduled to perform on the country cruiseship event, which docks from Miami and runs from February 25 to March 3. He is no longer listed on the website for the Outlaw Cruise, which features at least nine other Austin artists like Shinyribs, Bill Kirchin, Asleep at the Wheel, and Jesse Dayton.

“I’m a man of beliefs and conviction and they are my own,” he wrote in the long social media missive. “I will not be on the Outlaw Cruise because of them. I also , I’m sure , will not be allowed in many venues because of them. I will stay strong in the mainstream ridicule. Even when “ friends” would eagerly say “ just do it”. It’s sad. I’m a man that has complete natural (and better , according to most real studies) immunity, but that is never considered because there is no money to be made in Natural immunity. My beliefs. It does not have to be yours. I will take a test before every gig to insure everyone’s peace of mind , but that is not enough for this administration.” (All typos are from the original post.)

It is in fact the cruise company that requires vaccinations aboard its vessels. This summer, Norwegian Cruise Line’s owner sued Florida’s surgeon general over the state’s law forbidding businesses to require vaccinations from employees and customers. The Outlaw Cruise’s website specifies: “We will require all guests and crew to 1) be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, 2) acknowledge vaccination status prior to sailing and 3) present proof of vaccination at the pier at embarkation in order to board.”

This fall, Watson had returned to touring with performances across Missouri, Kansas, and Tennessee, as well as Texas dance halls and venues. Watson is booked to perform locally at regular haunts including the Sagebrush on Dec. 4, the Broken Spoke on Dec. 11, as well as Dale Watson’s Annual Christmas Show at the Continental Club, on Dec. 25.

The artist says he will continue to tour domestically and perform via livestream “as a last resort.” Watson hosted popular streamed concerts on his Facebook page throughout the pandemic.

“Until they figure how my livestreams spread covid I guess I’ll be doing that toward the end, after I’m outlawed to play in public. Does that sound extreme? I hope it does to all of you , but I’m afraid there are many that think it does not. It’s likely I can never travel internationally again. Certainly never play a cruise. At the end of the day , I love you my fans. I’ll be touring in the USA unless more mandates prevail.”