Manchester’s Co-Op Live has announced a new opening date after a series of concert cancellations caused by a range of technical issues. The venue, described as the “largest indoor arena” in the UK, has postponed a number of opening gigs featuring Rick Astley, comedian Peter Kay and The Black Keys, with the latter taking place on May 15. Shows for Olivia Rodrigo, Keane and Take That have been cancelled. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s show was also pulled just ten minutes ahead of the performance but was later rescheduled for May 4 at AO Arena.
Co-Op Live published an apology for the cancellations, saying that in light of the issues, it had taken a “short pause” to inspect elements of the arena ceiling to “ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue”. The group added that it was working to find ways of mitigating the impact on ticket holders and indicated that it did not anticipate any further effects on its venue’s opening season.
The Oak View Group, which manages the Co-Op Live, has issued a further apology and promised that it will address the impact on ticket holders. The group’s Chairman and CEO, Tim Leiweke, mentioned that the team at the venue was “working incredibly hard to get the building up and running” and confirmed that the doors would open on May 14.
The Co-Op Live’s current troubles have attracted further attention due to controversial comments made by the venue’s former executive director, who referred to grassroots music venues as “poorly run”. The director subsequently resigned, and the Co-Op Live has agreed to meet with the Music Venue Trust to discuss a proposed optional levy of £1 on arena gigs
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