Pete Parada won’t be touring with The Offspring after refusing to get the Covid-19 jab. Whether this is a temporary stand down or not the band haven’t commented.
The band’s drummer has spoken out on social media about his being dropped by the band. With a history of medical issues, Parada has chosen to stay vaccine free for his own health.
In a post on Instagram, he said: “Since I am unable to comply with what is increasingly becoming an industry mandate, it has recently been decided that I am unsafe to be around, in the studio, and on tour … you won’t be seeing me at these upcoming shows. I also want to share my story so that anyone else experiencing the agony and isolation of getting left behind right now knows they’re not entirely alone.”
He has said that due to his “personal medical history and the side-effect profile of these jabs”, he has been advised to not have the Covid vaccine injection. Parada claims he already had a case of COVID-19, and believes he has the antibodies. Medically his lifelong battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome puts him at greater risk for side effects from a vaccination.
“I caught the virus over a year ago, it was mild for me – so I am confident I’d be able to handle it again, but I’m not so certain I’d survive another post-vaccination round of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which dates back to my childhood and has evolved to be progressively worse over my lifetime.
“Unfortunately for me (and my family – who is hoping to keep me around a bit longer) the risks far outweigh the benefits.”
He has gone on to say, “There are countless folks (like me) for whom these shots carry a greater risk than the virus … I need to state, unequivocally, that I support informed consent – which necessitates choice unburdened by coercion. I do not find it ethical or wise to allow those with the most power (government, corporations, organisations, employers) to dictate medical procedures to those with the least power.”
Parada joined The Offspring in 2007, appearing on their albums Let The Bad Times Roll, Days Go By, Happy Hour and Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace. He has stated on his socials that there are “no negative feelings towards my band. They’re doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same.”
Prada isn’t the only musician questioning the vaccine. Eric Clapton, Ian Brown, Richard Ashcroft, Van Morrison and Noel Gallagher, are some of those voicing their wariness of the vaccine.
Whether this is a temporary stand down or not the band haven’t commented. Prada’s comments lead us to believe this is a permanent decision; “Wishing the entire Offspring family all the best as they get back at it! I’m heartbroken not to be seeing my road community, and I will miss connecting with the fans more than I can express in words.”
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
- It is a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness and even paralysis and respiratory failure in severe cases
- It affects about one in 100,000 people and most people eventually make a full recovery
- It mainly affects the feet, hands and limbs
- Symptoms can include numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness, pain and problems with balance and co-ordination
- The World Health Organisation has published more information about the links between Covid vaccines and Guillain-Barré syndrome
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