The Co-op Live arena in Manchester has postponed scheduled performances from US musician Olivia Rodrigo as part of her Guts world tour after a “venue-related technical issue”.
The £365 million venue, the biggest indoor arena in the UK, had postponed its opening show for the third time just over an hour before A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was set to perform on Wednesday, confirming there was a problem during the soundcheck.
A component of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system used to direct air had separated from the ductwork, and the installer, contractor and third-party inspector will now have to test each nozzle to confirm they are free from the defect, the Oak View Group confirmed.
Two hours after cancelling A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, the venue confirmed Rodrigo would not be performing on May 3 and 4.
A statement on X, formerly Twitter, said: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour on May 3 and 4 are being postponed.
“Ticket holders can either hold on to their tickets or obtain a refund at point of purchase.”
Three-time Grammy winner Rodrigo has taken her Guts tour across America during March and April, and is expected to perform at London’s O2 arena on May 14, 15, 17 and 18.
It comes after A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie confirmed “something happened” during his soundcheck at the venue on Wednesday that caused the cancellation of his show.
“I’m heated about the situation too, but safety first Manchester, I got you, just stay tuned for further info,” he said.
Venue bosses had posted a statement cancelling the performance 10 minutes after the doors were set to open for what was meant to be its first official event, as fans queued outside awaiting entry.
Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of the Oak View Group, said: “The safety and security of all visiting and working on Co-op Live is our utmost priority, and we could not and will not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so.
“Today was a very unexpected situation but without a doubt the right decision. I deeply apologise for the impact that this has had on ticket holders and fans.”
Meanwhile, the Co-operative Group said it was “disappointed” by the announcement and will seek a “full explanation” from the Oak View Group.
“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,” a Co-op Group spokesperson said.
“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.’’
