Missouri based pop rock band Hold Close have come under fire this weekend after playing an indoor show yesterday, December 5th.

Billed as one of four acts to play Wreck The Halls 2, an event put together by Springfield, MO’s Queen City Presents, Hold Close joined LO., Flashing Lights and Envious View to play an indoor concert at the Odyssey Lounge.

Going against the CDC’s social distancing and mask guidelines, photos of the event surfaced online showing both fans and performers in close proximity without any seeming mask mandates.

Following the event, many Hold Close fans took to social media to call out the band, as well as their fellow acts, for putting fans at risk of COVID-19.

This event comes nine months after the COVID-19 pandemic first shut down the live entertainment industry, putting millions of musicians, venue staff and other music industry professionals out of work.

With over 205,300 current COVID cases in the United States as of last night, the nation has seen a steady surge in case numbers over the past few weeks- reaching the highest number of cases since the pandemic’s beginning back in March.

And now, with concerns for both the band and fan’s safety flooding Hold Close’s social media, the band have taken to their accounts to issue an apology to their fans for playing the show and putting fans at risk.

The band’s guitarist Jessee Everett also took to social media to share their own apology for the show.

“As a member of Hold Close I am wholeheartedly disappointed in my bands actions to play a show during a pandemic,” Everett shared.

“I tried my hardest to get the show to not happen or make it virtual and I was convinced to let it still happen. I’m sorry for letting down the people who supported us.”

You can read Hold Close’s full statement below.

Regarding last nights show:

First, we would like to apologize as a band for playing a show during a pandemic. With covid cases continuing to rise, we should have not put our own selfish desire to play a show before the health and safety of others. We will not be participating in any events in the future where others will be at risk. We had a mutual desire to assist our local venue in keeping afloat during such a trying time. We allowed that to cloud our judgement and we are incredibly sorry. Our goal as a band is to always create a safe and open space for people to come together, enjoy music and fully be themselves. We have enjoyed carrying out this goal in the past, and during our time, we have met so many incredible people. These are the first that we want to apologize to. For those who drove hours to watch us, bought our merch, streamed our music, and supported us for years; we are incredibly sorry. We have let you down, and that alone breaks our hearts. For those who are hearing about us due to our mistake, know that we are taking people’s concerns and thoughts very seriously, and have learned from them. We will not allow ourselves to disappoint you all in the future. For those who came to last night’s show, we are sorry for being the ones who put you at risk. We highly encourage you all to get tested, socially distance and if possible, quarantine. We will also be doing the same. As a band, we are going to be stepping back and taking a break for a while. We would like to reflect on our actions and thoughts that led us to play a show during such a serious time. We are committed to righting these actions. Thank you for taking the time to read this. We love you all dearly.

Hold Close, via Facebook