John Lee Hooker Jr‘s concert at Bonn Harmonie on 24 March has been cancelled due to travel restrictions caused by the Corona Virus.
Hooker, the son of Blues legend John Lee who died in 2001, announced that the decision was made on advice from United Airlines and with regard to his age (68) putting him especially at risk.
The full text of Hooker Jr’s message follows
“United Airlines has just advised me to cancel my flight because of my age… they said because I am at a high risk of being infected with the Coronavirus .
She said that I am at risk of catching the virus..and that she is speaking on behalf of United airlines.
After landing in another country everyone is tested and if anyone has the virus the entire plane and crew will be quarantined on the plane.
The same thing when we arrive back in America….just like the entire cruise ship that has just landed in san Francisco.
First of all I was excited about the tour… looking forward to seeing the German fans again and performing at all of those venues.
So needless to say that I’m extremely disappointed about this.
Please be advised that the United States government agency, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has stated clearly day after day that „older citizens (seniors), should NOT travel in planes or place themselves in other closed environments where there are many people who may not have been tested for this virus“. That message from the CDC, along with the warning from the airline was more than enough reason for me to feel absolutely at risk if I had boarded that plane and traveled the long journey to Germany.
Sending my deepest regrets and best wishes that you and your family remain safe.
John