Punk band Teenage Bottlerocket, alongside promoter Paul Williams of Leadfoot Production, has taken on a unique pricing scheme specific to the pandemic, as reported by Consequence.net. The concert is set to take place in St. Petersburg (near Tampa), Florida, and has priced their tickets at $18 – provided you show proof of your vaccination, whilst charging those without one at the flat rate of $999.99. 

The concert will take place on June 26th at the VFW Post#39 in St. Petersburg. Pre-bought tickets, with proof of a vaccination, cost $18; $20 at the door. The band, and the promoter Williams have stated that this is a ‘sure way’ to make certain that everyone who attends is vaccinated. Opening bands include MakeWar and Rutterkin. Tickets can be purchased on the Leadfoot Promotions page.

Those who fail to show proof of vaccination will be charged $999.99 per ticket. Floridian Governor Ron DeSantos has previously said that his state should be exempt of such actions of denying unvaccinated people access to public venues and events, “In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision.”

DeSantos later responded to the surcharge by saying, “Charging higher ticket prices for individuals who do not furnish proof of vaccination unfairly discriminates against people who have enumerated rights under Florida law.”

Although it’s an extremely bold move by the band and promoter, a few fans have spoken out against it, including one who wasn’t able to get the vaccine because they had Covid-19 recently and therefore were not eligible to receive one yet. The band has also stated that it’s possible to catch them in other cities such as Jacksonville or Orlando where the $999.99 surcharge doesn’t apply.

“We’re all vaccinated. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated so we can see you in the pit,” Teenage Bottlerocket’s singer-guitarist Ray Carlisle has said on local Tampa news.