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Barry Manilow says he’s booked the AO Arena ‘just in case’ the Co-op Live isn’t ready for Manchester gig

Barry's hedging his bets.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 3rd May 2024

Barry Manilow has said he has reserved a spot to perform at the AO Arena in Manchester, on the off-chance that the delays with the new Co-op Live arena continue.

The 80-year-old music legend has said he ‘shares the concerns’ of fans who have questioned whether his show on 19 May will be able to go ahead.

And following the news that several shows are moving to Co-op Live’s rival venue, Barry Manilow has said he is ready to do the same.

In a lengthy statement shared by his husband and manager Garry Kief, Barry assured his fans that he ‘already has a backup plan’ should the arena remain delayed.

Co-op Live’s official opening date has crept further and further back in recent weeks, with OVG boss Tim Leiweke saying in a statement last night that they were taking ‘a short pause’ to make things right.

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Shows that have been effected by the delay so far have included Take That (moved to AO Arena), A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (ditto), Keane (postponed), Olivia Rodrigo (also postponed), Peter Kay (rescheduled) and The Black Keys (rescheduled).

In the statement shared to Barry Manilow’s social media, he and Garry said: “Dear Friends……   Many of you have expressed your concerns about the ongoing status of the new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. We share your concerns.  

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“Contrary to some opinions, however, we don’t have any double secret inside information on the condition of the building.

“We do know that our brilliant co-promoter,  Danny Betesh at Kennedy Street Enterprises. already has a back up plan and just in case, has reserved the same night….MAY 19th at Manchester’s AO Arena.

“We also know that we limited capacity to 12,500 guests. That means that even if we have to move, there will plenty of room for everybody.  

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“Right now, that’s a big IF. And we don’t know.  

“We promise that we will let you know as soon as we know IF we have to move the concert from Co-op Live to AO Arena. Like you, we would love to have this resolved sooner than later.  

“In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding while everyone works together to sort this out.

“Barry and all of us are looking forward to seeing you all onMay 19th. Until then…..all best, Garry.”

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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The Script announced as latest Co-op Live act as they head back to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Script Manchester tickets Co-op Live

Irish rock pop band The Script have been confirmed as the latest artists set to play Co-op Live arena as they prepare to make their Manchester return later this year.

Announcing the Co-op Live gig as part of their upcoming Satellite world tour, in support of their new album which is set to drop in just a few months’ time, the noughties and 2010s hit-makers will be coming to Manchester’s newest venue this fall.

With the trio having not long lost their lead guitarist and best mate Mark Sheehan during their run of Greatest Hits shows, this will be the first full tour they are set to play without him in the lineup.

Having gone back and regrouped, made a new record and now dropped their latest single ‘Both Ways’ at the same time on Friday morning, it’s full speed ahead for the boys with a massive world tour now on the horizon, including 20 European dates.

After being reduced to just two of the original found members, frontman Danny O’Donoghue and drummer Glen Power, the Dubliners have since doubled, inviting bassist Ben Sargeant and guitarist Ben Weaver to join the band earlier this month. They’re also still out on tour with pop legend Pink.

Their new album, Satellite, will mark their seventh studio LP and the first material released as a four-piece and is scheduled for release on 16 August, promising to deliver a whole new energy from the band.

Taking inspiration from the likes of The Black Eyed Peas and Bruno Mars, bassist Glen admitted that the sound “maybe not what people might expect from us but we’re The Script, and now we have something to prove: that there’s life and light after the darkness. It’s why we’re coming fast and strong with that one.”

Lead singer Danny added: “The album cover is silhouettes of me, Glen and Ben Sargeant, our bassist, who’s been with us from the beginning. Then we have a hooded silhouette, because the air of Mark is still there.

“He always will be, but it’s also giving a tip of the hat to the future. It’ll never be the same Script. We’re just trying to get on and do what it is that we all feel is the next right thing to do and that’s to keep making more great music.”

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As for the show itself, The Script arrive at Co-op Live on 30 November – the final show of their UK leg and over two years since their last visit to Manchester at the AO Arena.

For those looking to grab tickets, fans who pre-order Satellites from the band’s official store before 5pm on Tuesday, 21 May will receive access to an exclusive pre-sale for tickets for the UK and Ireland tour dates.

Pre-sale opens at 9:30am on Wednesday, 22 May and general admission tickets go live at the same time on Friday, 24 May. You can grab yours HERE.

We’ve had the luxury of popping along to the brand-new arena a few times now and we have to say, it didn’t disappoint.

Black Keys at Co-op Live, Manchester – huge venue’s first taste of the blues

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Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Audio

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Black Keys at Co-op Live, Manchester – huge venue’s first taste of the blues

Charlie Watkinson Charlie Watkinson The Black Keys at Co-op Live Manchester, reviewed

As a huge Black Keys fan, when I found out they were set to be the first band to grace the stage at Co-op Live, I just knew I had to be there.

Of course, it didn’t turn out that way.

After numerous cancellations and rescheduling, Elbow managed to nab the first spot, with the Black Keys taking to the stage the following night instead (several weeks later than their original show date).

Let me tell you though – they did not disappoint.

Having been one of the starry-eyed fans at Elbow the previous night, and been properly impressed by the sound quality inside the massive new Manchester venue, the thought of hearing Dan Auerbach’s epic bluesy riffs had me beyond excited.

Entering the stage playing the heavy-hitting I Got Mine, followed by one of their most well-known tracks, Gold on the Ceiling, it was evident we were in for a great show.

I have to admit, though, as a die-hard Black Keys fan, I couldn’t ignore how static the crowd was throughout the whole performance.

It almost seemed like the room was filled with people who didn’t know their songs, perhaps due to rescheduling and Co-op Live dishing out tickets to say ‘sorry for the inconvenience’?

The quiet stillness of the crowd did a great disservice to the electrifying talent on stage. Luckily, this didn’t matter too much.

Closing with their most popular song, Lonely Boy, I almost forgot how still the crowd had been as I watched the entire stadium howling, “DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH – DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH.”

Although I wanted more from the crowd, all in all, the Black Keys played a setlist fit for a super fan and gave Co-Op Live its first taste of the blues.

I just wished the audience had been Howlin’ for You all night, not so Tighten Up’… As you were.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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