Drummer Pete Parada, who has been in the band The Offspring for over fourteen years has been unceremoniously fired because he refuses to take COVID vaccines.
Parada released a detailed statement explaining that for pre-existing medical reasons he refuses to take the vaccine, yet this has led to him being deemed “unsafe” to be around in recording studios or on the road.
In a Twitter thread, Parada stated “Given my personal medical history and the side-effect profile of these jabs, my doctor has advised me not to get a shot at this time.”
Parada also stated that he has recovered from the virus itself, yet this seemingly wasn’t taken into consideration before he was fired from the band.
Parada described being vaccinated as “increasingly becoming an industry mandate,” and explained that The band is “doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same.”
The drummer also made his feelings clear on the clear move we are seeing toward vaccine coercion and ostracisation from society for those who do not or cannot comply.
“While my reason for not getting this jab is medical, I want to make sure I’m not carving out a space that is only big enough for me. I need to state, unequivocally, that I support informed consent – which necessitates choice unburdened by coercion,” Parada wrote.
“I do not find it ethical or wise to allow those with the most power (government, corporations, organizations, employers) to dictate medical procedures to those with the least power,” Parada continued.
He eloquently explained “There are countless folks (like me) for whom these shots carry a greater risk than the virus. Most of us don’t publicly share a private decision we made in careful consideration with our doctors. We know it’s not an easy conversation to unfold.”
Further noting that “half the population is having a shockingly different reaction to these jabs than was expected,” Parada added “I hope we can learn to make room for all the perspectives and fears that are happening currently. Let’s avoid the unfortunate tendency to dominate, dehumanize and shout down at each other. The hesitant population is not a monolithic group. All voices deserve to be heard.”
Parada’s case comes amid a period of massive uncertainty in the music industry concerning what will happen going forward with live events.
Forsided, 03.08.2021