Hoards of fans expecting to watch US rapper, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie at Co-op Live arena this evening, were told the gig was cancelled as they queued up outside.
Oak View Group, which is responsible for the building, told the PA News Agency that during the soundcheck, a component of the heating and air conditioning system had come away from the ductwork.
While no one was injured, the CEO, Tim Leiweke, apologised and confirmed the group would ‘not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so’.
It was another bodyblow for the new £365 million venue – the biggest indoor arena in the UK – had already pushed gigs by comedian Peter Kay, back twice.
Along with a concert by The Black Keys, the gigs were postponed because there were concerns that internal security systems and fire safety measures had still to be thoroughly tested.
Co-op Live later confirmed that Olivia Rodrigo’s shows scheduled for May 3 and 4, will not go ahead.
Technical reasons
Outside the arena, fans were told the gig had to be cancelled for technical reasons.
And at 6.40pm, the venue announced on X, “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead.”
Co-op Live told fans to “leave the arena” with many already inside and long queues forming.
Those with tickets were informed they would “receive further information in due course”.
Shocked
A spokesperson from the Co-op Group issued a statement tonight which read, “As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are shocked at the incident which has led to late cancellation of tonight’s show at the arena. We are relieved that no-one has been injured but we share the disappointment 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.
“We will be seeking a full explanation from Oak View Group 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 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.”
