The Grand Ole Opry made a big announcement on Friday (March 13) in the midst of growing Coronavirus concerns. To keep their staff, fans and artists safe, the Opry has decided to pause all performances with a live audience through April 4.
“The Opry’s first priority has always been the safety of our employees, guests and artists who have all been key in keeping the show that made country music famous on the air every week for over 94 years. During this time, the Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry Show will return to its original format as a live radio broadcast without a live audience,” the press release reads.
If this doesn’t seem like a big deal, it’s “widely believed” that the Opry has only canceled its live Saturday night performance once. That was on April 6, 1968 when Nashville imposed a curfew following the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination.
Although this is a big cancelation, fans can still tune in to all of the Saturday night broadcasts through the Opry website or through WSM online. They’re also available on Opry and WSM mobile apps and on 650 AM-WSM.
Guests who have tickets for the canceled performances can contact the Opry’s customer service for help at (800) SEE-OPRY or via their website.
