Justin Bieber’s New Tour Offers Incentives for Fans to Do Good, Support Nonprofits

McBride said Live Free and other organizations are suggesting other local actions concertgoers can take, such as an online form related to San Diego that reads “Sign this petition with LIVE FREE to support criminal justice reforms in San Diego by eliminating gang enhancements, which are excessive and punitive sentencing for individuals suspected of criminal activity.”

One day after the tour’s San Diego launch, Bieber had to postpone concert dates in Las Vegas and Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively, due to “positive COVID results within the Justice Tour family,” according to a Justice Tour Instagram post. The New York Times later reported Bieber had tested positive for the virus. The 90-date tour is scheduled to take place in more than 20 countries.

Bieber, who has attended evangelical megachurches in recent years, first announced partnerships with the Poor People’s Campaign and others in March 2021, when his album “Justice” was released. Bieber initially offered floor tickets, merchandise and a signed guitar in exchange for supporting the listed organizations.

Bieber’s justice efforts haven’t always struck the right chord. Critics have questioned his decision to sample audio clips of King’s speeches on “Justice,” an album full of lilting pop/R&B love songs.

“At best, these clips have the hollow, non-committal feel of a brand-sponsored Black History Month tweet, a gesture best left unmade,” one Rolling Stones review said. “At worst they co-opt and trivialize the message of the man they profess to honor.”

But the controversy hasn’t discouraged fans, who seem to appreciate Bieber’s exploration of faith and activism. Last year, fans embraced “Freedom,” Bieber’s surprise Easter EP and most explicitly religious project to date. This week, his song “Ghost,” off the “Justice” album, became the star’s 10th song to earn the top spot on Billboard’s Pop Airway chart.

This article originally appeared here.