02 May 2024 , 07:14
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Another act has seen their scheduled concert at Manchester's brand new Co-op Live Arena cancelled.
The venue, which is the biggest indoor arena in the UK, has been plagued with issues since opening. Peter Kay was due to be the first act to take to the stage at the new arena yet his show was postponed just hours before. The beloved comedian was due to open with two shows, yet they were pushed back after capacity for a test event was reduced.
Rock duo The Black Keys saw their date at the venue postponed as the venue had to undertake “extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans”. US rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie's gig was cancelled on Wednesday night and the venue announced the cancellation last minute while the star's fans were lining up outside the venue waiting to enter. Now, the Co-op Live arena has postponed scheduled performances from US musician Olivia Rodrigo as part of her Guts world tour.
They cited a “venue-related technical issue” for moving Olivia's dates, which were set to be May 3 and 4. While on Wednesday night, the £365 million venue confirmed there was a problem during the soundcheck. A statement on X, formerly Twitter, said: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour on May 3 and 4 are being postponed.
Olivia Rodrigo's dates at the venue have been postponed (Getty Images for LIVE Nation)
Peter Kay was due to be the first act to perform at Co-op Live (Getty Images)“Ticket holders can either hold on to their tickets or obtain a refund at point of purchase.” Olivia said she was "bummed" that her two shows had been postponed. She told fans: “I’ve been having such a great time in Europe so far and I’m sooooo disappointed that we’re unable to perform in Manchester due to on-going venue-related technical issues. We’re doing our best to reschedule the show." The singer added: “I’m so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon.”
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The pop star most recently performed at the 3Arena in Dublin, and is expected to perform at London’s O2 arena on May 14, 15, 17 and 18. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie confirmed “something happened” during his soundcheck at the venue on Wednesday that caused the cancellation of his show. “I’m heated about the situation too, but safety first Manchester, I got you, just stay tuned for further info,” he said.
Venue bosses issued the cancellation notice just ten minutes after doors were set to open. Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of the Oak View Group, said: “The safety and security of all visiting and working on Co-op Live is our utmost priority, and we could not and will not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so. Today was a very unexpected situation but without a doubt the right decision. I deeply apologise for the impact that this has had on ticket holders and fans.”
A Co-op Group spokesperson said: "As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are shocked at the incident which has led to the late cancellation of tonight’s show at the arena. We are relieved that no one has been injured, but we share the disappointment and frustration of ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op members, with the continuing delay to the opening of Co-op Live and the disruption that this is causing to everyone who has been looking forward to attending events.
Boogie Wit Da Hoodie fans were turned away on Wednesday night (Men Media)"We will be seeking a full explanation from Oak View Group (OVG), who are responsible for the building, to the obvious questions arising from this, together with a clear plan from the Co-op Live venue management team at OVG for opening the venue and postponed and future events.
“Safety is of course the number one priority and it is critical that Co-op members and other ticket holders can enjoy events in a venue with the very highest levels of security and safety measures in place. We are very grateful for Manchester City Council’s and the emergency services’ continued engagement with OVG to ensure that Co-op Live opens as soon as possible.”
The Black Keys will now perform at Co-op Live on May 15, while Peter Kay is set to take to the stage on May 23 and 24. Gary Roden, the arena's general manager, announced his resignation last week following the slew of issues that led to a delay in the venue opening.