Great White has apologized for putting lives at risk by performing during the COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota.
The state that has had 4,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 87 deaths.
Videos from the outdoor concert in Dickinson last Thursday night show crowds of people not practicing social distancing or wearing masks.
“We understand that there are some people who are upset that we performed this show, during this trying time,” read a statement from Great White. “North Dakota’s government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws.
“We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement.”
The band added that it values “the health and safety of each and every one of our fans” but admitted “we are far from perfect.”
Great White disbanded at the end of 2001 but founding members Jack Russell and Mark Kendall teamed up in 2003 to tour under the name Jack Russell’s Great White. At a Feb. 20, 2003 concert at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island, pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing material. The fire and stampede to get out of the venue killed 100 people, including guitarist Ty Longley, and left 115 others seriously injured.
Kendall is the only member of the version of Great White that performed last week in North Dakota who was at the Rhode Island show.
The band is scheduled to play a music festival in Fort Madison, Iowa on Aug. 7.