Fans of rock band Elbow are feeling apprehensive ahead of the opening concert at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester due to a series of issues that have occurred at the venue. The arena postponed its opening show for the third time after part of the ventilation and air conditioning system fell from the ceiling during a soundcheck in early May. The CEO of the arena operator, Oak View Group, admitted that the incident could have been catastrophic if it had happened just 15 minutes later. The arena has since conducted thorough checks on all fixtures and fittings to ensure safety.
Despite the setbacks, the Manchester band Elbow, who are set to open the venue, expressed their readiness and reassurance that the venue is safe for the concert. The band shared a picture of the stage inside the venue on social media, indicating their excitement for the upcoming show. The arena faced issues after a test event in April led to rescheduled performances of other artists such as Peter Kay, The Black Keys, Olivia Rodrigo, and Keane. The venue confirmed that Travis Scott will perform after Elbow to mark the official opening. The venue is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group.
Fans of Elbow have expressed their concerns about the safety and reliability of the venue in the lead-up to the concert. Some fans mentioned receiving little communication from Co-op Live about the status of the event and felt uncertain about attending due to the lack of updates. One fan mentioned that while all venues have to start somewhere, it is essential to ensure the structural integrity of the building. Others who had tickets to previously postponed shows at the venue shared their hope that the Elbow concert will proceed as planned.
Despite the challenges faced by the Co-op Live arena, many are hopeful that the Elbow concert will go ahead smoothly. The arena spokesperson confirmed that after thorough inspections and adjustments, they are satisfied that the ventilation issue was an isolated manufacturing defect. The opening of the venue is eagerly anticipated by fans, and Elbow’s performance will be a significant moment for both the band and the venue. With the assurance of safety measures being triple checked, fans and organizers alike are looking forward to a successful opening.
The CEO of Oak View Group mentioned conversations with Harry Styles, one of the investors in the venue, who offered support and encouragement during the challenging times. The involvement of prominent figures like Harry Styles and the positive response to rescheduling performances indicate a resilient spirit within the music industry. As venues start to open up again post-pandemic, the focus on safety and reliability becomes paramount to ensure the well-being of artists, staff, and fans. The Co-op Live arena’s opening concert with Elbow is expected to mark a new beginning for music events in Manchester, with the hope that it will be a smooth and successful start for the venue.
