Fans at last night’s Red Hot Chilli Peppers gig were left confused after the support act – rapper A$AP Rocky – ended up performing after the main act.
The American star had been chosen as the main support act for the group, alongside Thundercat.
Traditionally, support artists perform before the headliners – but last night, things went in an unusual order.
Screens at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground informed the audience that A$AP Rocky would perform after the main act due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
The 50,000-strong crowd instead had to wait until the end of the show to see him perform his hits.
A$AP Rocky. Credit: Mr. iozo
A$AP Rocky also performed a much shorter set than was originally planned, wearing a pair of high-vis orange overalls.
Many fans said they felt that the Red Hot Chilli Peppers had cut their set short to fit in the supporting act, though the set list appears to be largely the same as other venues on the tour.
One person said: “I love asap rocky but he turns up late to everything or cancels. Canny believe Chilis cut their set short for him to come out dressed like he’d been working on M62 instead of performing.”
When @asvpxrocky gave himself a stupid name it opened the doors to so many possibilities: “You’re late, get here A$AP”, or maybe a new name, Eventually Rocky, or maybe hand the $ back to everyone who got there on time last night. pic.twitter.com/HsbONbaqk9
Another commented: “Wtf is happening at the chili peppers show in Manchester? Why are they playing before ASAP Rocky??”
Someone else wrote: “Genuinely wish I’d not bothered. 2 nights in a hotel and £90 for a band who couldn’t wait to get out of there and an artist who couldn’t be bothered to be there on time. Absolutely fuming.”
One person joked: “do u think asap rocky didn’t wanna play manchester bc he’s still upset that liam gallagher called him whatsapp ricky.”
Fans reported that a lot of the audience headed home as soon as main act Red Hot Chilli Peppers finished their set, leaving A$AP Rocky performing to an emptying venue.
Someone said it was ‘so awkward when he came on, the place just emptied’.
But another did look on the bright side, writing: “@asvpxrocky killed it in Manchester last night, even thought it was only 4 songs it were f***ing sick.
“Respect to @ChiliPeppers for letting him do a set for the fans at the end of the gig after some logistical problems stopping him performing beforehand.”
Featured image:Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
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‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council is hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2022 
