Olivia Rodrigo Co-op Live Manchester dates cancelled after latest major setback for new arena

Olivia Rodrigo’s two nights at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena have been postponed.

It comes after A Boogie With Da Hoodie’s concert on Wednesday evening was cancelled just moments before it was supposed to begin due to a “technical issue” in the latest major setback for the £365million arena. Pop superstar Rodrigo was due to play on Friday and Saturday night.

In a statement, Co-op Live 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 at point of purchase. We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause to many.”

Fans were ready to enter the arena for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s gig - already the delayed first event after a nightmare first week for the venue - when it was announced it would not be going ahead.

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. Ticket holders will receive further information in due course. We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”

The US rapper revealed on his social media that an incident during soundcheck - reportedly a piece of air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling - had caused the gig to be cancelled at the last minute.

“Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused the cancellation of the show,” he said. “We are working on rescheduling in the next few days. I’m heated about the situation too but safety first Manchester I got you, just stay tuned for further info.”

Keane are the next act due to play at the venue on Sunday May 5 ahead of Take That playing five nights between May 7 and May 12.