Co-op take aim at Oak View Group after Co-op Live chaos cancels Olivia Rodrigo and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

Title sponsor Co-op says they will be “seeking a full explanation” from operators Oak View Group over the events that led to the abrupt cancellation of what should have been the opening gig of Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. 

Fans were ready to enter the venue on Wednesday evening when news filtered through that US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s show had been postponed. 

The rapper later revealed an incident during soundcheck - reportedly a piece of air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling - led to his gig being dramatically scrapped in the latest major setback in a disastrous first couple of weeks for the £365million venue. 

It was then announced Olivia Rodrigo’s shows on Friday and Saturday would not go ahead. Keane are due to play on Sunday following by five Take That shows from May 7 to 12.  It has all led to Co-op issuing a statement calling for answers from Oak View Group who run the arena. 

“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,” the statement read.

“We are relieved that no-one has been injured, but we share the disappointment and frustration 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 (OVG), who are responsible for the building, 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 measures 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.”