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Co-op Live recap – cancelled shows, rescheduled dates, and more from chaotic opening night

There are some big shows next week.

Daisy Jackson - 2nd May 2024

The opening night at Co-op Live was marred by ‘a venue-related technical issue’ (something fell from the ceiling), triggering further delays to the huge new Manchester arena and even more rescheduled shows.

The ground-breaking new arena, which will be the largest indoor venue in the UK when it actually opens, has once again had to postpone its official launch.

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday 1 May, fans who were already queueing outside Co-op Live were told the A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie concert had been cancelled.

Then followed further postponed gigs, with the venue also pulling the plug on Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour which was meant to visit Manchester on Friday and Saturday.

The Co-op Live has already rescheduled Peter Kay twice, as well as The Black Keys – and now more future gigs are being pushed back.

And now the question on everyone’s lips is whether Take That, Keane, or other huge shows will go ahead as planned.

It all happened pretty quickly last night, so here’s an essential recap of all the drama.

Which Co-op Live shows have been postponed or cancelled so far?

So far, the 23,500-capacity venue has had to reschedule or indefinitely postpone eight different events.

These have included Peter Kay, who was lined up to perform two gigs, which have now been moved twice.

The only event that has gone ahead so far has been a test event with Rick Astley, and even that saw thousands of tickets cancelled at the last minute to safely reduce capacity inside (we were one of the lucky few to go, and it does look amazing inside).

Then there was obviously the last-minute drama when A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was cancelled while fans were already outside Co-op Live, and then pop star Olivia Rodrigo having TWO gigs rescheduled.

Here’s the full list:

• Peter Kay – original dates 23 and 24 April. Rescheduled dates 29 and 30 April. NEW DATES 23 and 24 May.
• The Black Keys – original date 27 April. New date 15 May 2024.
• A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – original date 1 May. New date to be confirmed.
• Olivia Rodrigo – original dates 3 and 4 May. New dates to be confirmed.

What’s on next at the Co-op Live arena?

Despite these high-profile cancellations, the Co-op Live still has plenty of incredible shows lined up in the coming weeks.

Notably, Take That have essentially planned a residency that will see them take over the huge venue for SEVEN nights.

At the time of writing, the following shows will still be going ahead this month. Fingers crossed everyone…

• Keane – 5 May
• Take That – 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 May, then 11 and 12 June.
• Elbow – 14 May
• The Black Keys – 15 May (rescheduled from 27 April)
• Eric Clapton – 18 May
• Barry Manilow – 19 May
• Peter Kay – 23 and 24 May (rescheduled from 23 and 24 April)
• Nicki Minaj – 25 and 30 May
• Eagles – 31 May, then 1, 4, 7 and 8 June

Olivia Rodrigo statement and updates

Olivia Rodrigo is arguably the most high-profile music event to be postponed at Co-op Live so far, with the pop sensation due to perform two sold-out shows.

It’s all part of her GUTS world tour and was meant to visit Manchester on 3 and 4 May.

Although her two shows this week have definitely been postponed, Co-op Live have yet to announce new dates.

In a statement, she sad: “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. you can hold onto your tickets for further info or request a refund at your point of purchase. More info will be sent directly to ticket holders.

“I’m so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon.”

Why has the Co-op Live opening been postponed again?

Co-op Live’s initial delay was caused by ‘power supply issues’ and they postponed several shows to test emergency services communications.

This most recent delay was caused by ‘a venue-related technical issue’ which emerged to be a piece of the air-conditioning system falling from the ductwork inside the arena bowl.

It’s believed that the issue with the HVAC system was an isolated incident ’caused by a factory defect’.

Co-op Live said: “We were not able to verify that all similar nozzles were free of such defects.

“In conjunction with wider stakeholders, Oak View Group has made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue, and to postpone the performance.”

What Co-op Live have said about the delays

As A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s gig was cancelled, Co-op Live said: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead. We kindly ask fans to leave the area. Tickets holders will receive further information in due course. We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”

On Olivia Rodrigo, a statement released said: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour on 3rd and 4th May are being postponed. Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund from their point of purchase. We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”

And as for the future of the venue’s opening schedule, they said: “We understand the need to reassure fans over future shows. We are working with artist management and promoters to limit the impact on the opening season schedule.

“Where necessary, we will identify alternate dates, and will continually reassess to provide fans with sufficient notice regarding imminent shows.

“Should shows be cancelled or rescheduled, fans will be contacted by their point of purchase and offered a full refund where preferred.”

Co-op Live should announced details of rescheduled dates in due course.

Read more

• ‘Disappointed’ Olivia Rodrigo issues statement to Manchester fans after Co-op Live postpones gigs
• A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie issues statement after Co-op Live cancels gig at the last minute
• A guide to the brand-new Co-op Live Arena: drinks prices, how to get there, capacity and more

Featured image: The Manc Group