Rock band Royal Blood have scrambled to reschedule a run of gigs they had to cancel after testing positive for Covid – but a lot of fans say they’re ‘disappointed’ and have blasted the ‘p*ss poor’ planning of the new dates.
The duo were supposed to perform at the AO Arena in Manchester last Saturday, 2 April.
But lead singer Mike Kerr announced that they had to postpone the show, writing: “This morning I’ve woken up to discover I have lost my voice. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can ‘power through’, I currently cannot sing a single note. My voice has gone.”
He added: “I’m absolutely gutted. We were having the time of our lives up there, and your support and passion is not taken for granted for one second.”
The statement issued at the time stressed that the band and its management would ‘work as hard as we can to reschedule to shows for as soon as possible’.
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Royal Blood. Credit: Publicity picture
It’s a promise they stuck to, with new dates now announced in just a few days’ time.
Royal Blood are now going to be on the stage in Manchester on Monday 11 April, also announcing new dates for Glasgow and Leeds.
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Despite the speed at which the shows have been rearranged, some ticket-holders are unhappy, saying it’s ‘nowhere near enough notice’ and adding it’s ‘really poor’.
One person said to the band on Twitter: “Surely not, less than 1 weeks notice?! I’ve just spent over £200 to go to Manchester this weekend for the concert not to take place, cannot afford to do that’s again especially on a week day.”
Someone else said: “So you cancel and then give people a week’s notice to book time off work and make arrangements?! Yeah excellent.”
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Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Others were unhappy that the gig is now on a weeknight rather than a Saturday, with one ticket-holder saying: “You don’t wanna mention how to get refunds for these gigs you’ve moved from the weekend to weekday with one f***ing weeks notice then?”
One person Tweeted: “This is a shocking, what are you guys thinking ? Been excited about seeing you live for a long time but with such late notice I won’t be able to get it off work, place will be half empty with all the refunds.”
Another commented: ‘Not happy at all. It was a Saturday in Manchester, now a Monday. With a week to go? What about work, childcare, travel arrangements? And no refunds. Sorry, but that’s not great at all…my favourite band, but this leaves a sour taste.”
Lots of people are delighted they’ll get to see Royal Blood so soon though.
One person pointed out: “Shouldn’t we just be happy bands are back touring and take covid postponements with a pinch of salt? I had 36 shows rescheduled due to covid, some I could make and some I couldn’t. Surely we haven’t already forgot how much we took live music for granted?”
One Twitter user reasoned: “I’m gutted cos i won’t be able to make it to the rescheduled date, but looking at the touring schedule the guys have for the next few months in usa/Canada and the Europe until June I can see why it’s been done like this.”
And another said: “Well done lads for getting this on so quickly. I’m on leave next week so good times incoming. As for the naysayers, look at their tour schedule for next few months, chill your beans and am sure you’ll get a refund.”
Ticket-holders who can’t make the new dates are advised to contact their point of purchase for information.
Featured image: Publicity picture
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Manchester Pride’s statement in full after performers say they’ve still not been paid
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Pride has released a statement addressing claims that some performers from this year’s festival still haven’t been paid for their work.
The charity behind the huge LGBTQ+ event has shared an update on its future amid public calls for several artists who appeared at the three-day festival to be paid.
The Manchester Pride Board of Trustees has said in a public statement that it is ‘currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers’.
Yesterday, a number of artists who appeared at this year’s celebration shared a letter that alleges they are still waiting for payment for their work at the festival, which takes place every August bank holiday weekend.
Those who have spoken out have so far included RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta, singer-songwriter Patrick Saint James, and actor Adam Ali.
The statement from Manchester Pride has also stressed that the welfare of its team and staff is of the utmost importance and pleaded that they be treated with ‘kindness and respect’.
“They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them,” Manchester Pride wrote. “It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.”
Manchester Pride added that they aim to provide more details by Wednesday 22 October.
Their full statement is as follows: “We recognise that there has been a period of silence from us, whilst we have taken legal and financial advice. We understand the frustration this has caused and the impact this has. Our intention is to ensure that we speak with honesty, clarity, and care as we move forward.
“Manchester Pride is currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers. The aim is to provide additional communications by Wednesday 22nd October. We will provide further information to our communities and stakeholders as well. They deserve this.
“We know that moments like this can raise questions and emotions. We want to ensure that our staff, interns, artists, contractors and suppliers, who are all a part of our community, are heard and considered. The wellbeing and safety of our staff, who are all a part of the wider community is our highest priority.
“We ask that people treat our staff, from the CEO to the interns and volunteers, with kindness and respect. They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them. It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.
“As part of this process, we will be reaching out to key stakeholders, partners, and media contacts in due course. Until then, we are pausing further public comment while we focus on clear and careful communication.
“Thank you to everyone who shows solidarity during this time.”
Salford Red Devils have been dropped from the Super League
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils RLFC have been officially relegated and dropped from the next Betfred Super League season following months of uncertainty both on and off the field.
It’s a nightmare scenario for supporters, but not entirely surprising given their struggles of late.
Revealing the decision this week, the Super League announced that Salford Red Devils will not be competing in the top tier next term, with the upcoming adjusted campaign getting underway in 2026.
Confirming that their IMG grading had been reduced as expected in the wake of recent events, the Greater Manchester side shared an official statement with the fans on Thursday morning, 16 October.
The reaction has obviously been one of deep frustration from a fan base that has been put through the ringer over the past year or so.
Die-hard Red Devil, Andy Roberts, commented in the numerous replies underneath Salford’s post on X: “I’m sorry, but this statement is a complete disgrace. Patronising fans, ignoring the huge elephant in the room. RELEGATION!”
Even neutrals got involved, with one person writing: “I hope someone comes in and saves you. No gloating here, we’re all part of the RL [rugby league] family, and I’ve lost my club before – wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Best of luck getting sorted.”
Another added that he believes this “Has to be the worst piece of comms from any club ever. Might have been better to start with a ‘really sorry we won’t be part of Super League next season’ line.”
Most notably, their dismissal from the division for now has also made way for the return of Bradford Bulls, who haven’t featured in the tournament since 2014, ultimately limping towards liquidation and eventual relegation themselves. Safe to say Salfordians fear the same.
It’s also worth noting that Salford Red Devils’ relegation also comes in tandem with the Super League actually expanding in terms of participants, with 14 teams set to face off in 2026; a dozen are automatically included via the aforementioned gradings system.
The Bulls were restored to the ranks after finishing 10th in the overall IMG rankings, while SRDLFC’s 0.25 point reduction to their total score proved enough to see the Yorkshiremen take their place after more than a decade.
Another two of clubs are still waiting to be named in the roster for next year, with an independent selection panel scheduled to verify their picks this Friday, 17 October.
You can see the club’s ‘divisive’ (to say the least) statement in full HERE and, in the meantime, find out more on the latest twist in this unfortunate tale that went on somewhat behind the scenes down below.
Daisy Jackson -
5th April 2022 
