Words & Deeds

Coronavirus just postponed this band’s Oregon show. But Idaho Center still ‘100% go.’

Friday update: This concert has been postponed. The original article is below.

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Music and sporting events are being postponed or canceled across the globe because of new coronavirus fears.

But the biggest concert in the Treasure Valley this weekend?

It’s on, headbangers. Unless something changes.

Metal band Tool plans to perform as scheduled Saturday night at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, organizers said Thursday. The show is expected to attract between 8,000 and 9,000 fans.

Tool’s Thursday-night concert in Eugene was abruptly postponed after Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced a ban Wednesday on gatherings of 250 people or more. Oregon has more than 20 known coronavirus cases.

Idaho is one of the few remaining states with no confirmed cases.

Maynard James Keenan of the prog-metal band Tool.
Maynard James Keenan of the prog-metal band Tool. Travis Shinn

“Tool is playing as long as the state doesn’t cancel mass gatherings,” said Creston Thornton, the Eagle, Idaho-based president of promoter Live Nation’s mountain region. “With no cases of the virus yet in the state ... it’s 100 percent go from our side.”

Tool will perform 24 hours after a canceled concert at the Idaho Center. The Roadshow Tour 2020, a Christian music showcase, announced Thursday that it was pulling the plug on remaining dates because of the spread of COVID-19. That included Friday’s Nampa show.

“Tool is in Boise right now,” Thornton said. “They’re here. We’re loading in the pre-rig tonight. The show’s happening Saturday. With no (coronavirus) cases in Idaho, we’re just not there. Hopefully, we never get there.”

Ford Idaho Center general manager Andrew Luther said arena representatives are sending this email to patrons with concerns.

“If any events are postponed, ticket purchasers will be notified ASAP. Currently we are moving forward with scheduled events.

The safety and well-being of our business partners and guests is our top priority at the Ford Idaho Center. Our cleaning procedures are thorough and comprehensive, and following recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities, our staff has increased the frequency of our efforts to disinfect and sanitize high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, escalators, elevator buttons and bathrooms. In addition, we have hand sanitizer dispensers located around the facility, as well as a map outlining those locations.”

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 1:15 PM.

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