Pearl Jam postpones Toronto concert, upcoming tour over COVID-19 concerns

Pearl Jamsaid it'sdeeply frustrated but has nochoice but to postpone its upcoming tour, including a kick-off show in Toronto, due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The Seattle band confirmed the news in an apologetic but also angry Twitter thread late Monday.

"As residents of the city of Seattle, we've been hit hard and have witnessed firsthand how quickly these disastrous situations can escalate," the band posted.

"It's been brutal and it's gonna get worse before it gets better," it continued, before criticizing U.S. health officials who have struggled to control the spread of the virus, particularly in Washington State where at least 22have died.

In Ontario, there are now at least 36 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Pearl Jam was supposed to launch itsPJ/Gigaton tour on March 18 at ScotiabankArena, which has space for nearly 20,000 fans. Upcoming spring shows in Ottawa, Quebec City, and Hamilton are also being postponed.

Erin Benjamin, president and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, said this is the first major music cancellationthe group is aware of.

"It's unfortunate and Pearl Jam fans are gutted," Benjamin said

Other cancellations would be a "last resort," she said, and most acts are still looking toPublic Health Canada for guidance.

The band says fans who had tickets will be contacted by Ticketmaster. It's unclear when rescheduled dates will be announced.

"We are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list of things to avoid as this global health crisis is now beginning to affect all of our lives," the band said.

"Unfortunately, communing in large groups is a huge part of what we do as a band and the tour we've been busy planning for months is now in jeopardy."

You can read the entire Twitter thread from the band below: