Barry Manilow, an iconic American singer, is scheduled to perform at the brand-new Co-Op Live arena on May 19. However, he has expressed concerns about the chaos and technical issues plaguing the venue, which has a capacity of around 23,500. The singer’s team has reserved the rival AO Arena in Manchester as a backup plan in case the issues are not resolved in time for his concert. This comes after Take That, Liam Gallagher, and other artists have also moved their gigs to the AO Arena due to ongoing problems at Co-Op Live.
The Co-Op Live arena has faced numerous challenges, including building delays and technical issues such as air conditioning and electrical problems. These issues have led to the cancellation of several concerts by artists like Peter Kay, Keane, and Olivia Rodrigo. The venue’s naming rights sponsor, the Co-operative Group, has expressed disappointment over the situation and called for proper redress for affected individuals, such as compensation for hotel bookings. Oak View Group, which operates Co-Op Live, has apologized for the inconveniences and assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issues.
Aside from Barry Manilow, other artists like Liam Gallagher, Elbow, Olivia Rodrigo, Take That, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie have had to make changes to their concert plans due to the ongoing problems at Co-Op Live. The venue, billed as a rival to London’s O2, has experienced difficulties since a test event on April 20, which saw 4,000 people being turned away. Liam Gallagher humorously suggested he would play at Lidl instead of Co-Op Live if the issues were not resolved in time for his scheduled performance. The new music venue has postponed its opening several times and is now pausing events to ensure the safety and security of guests and artists.
The cancellations and delays at Co-Op Live have had a negative impact on the local hospitality sector, according to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The venue’s issues have led to logistical challenges for both concert-goers and artists, with multiple shows being moved to the nearby AO Arena. The situation has raised concerns among fans and industry professionals about the readiness and reliability of the new arena. Co-Op Live’s management has stated that they are working diligently to address the technical issues and ensure that future events run smoothly.
The decision to delay events at Co-Op Live for safety inspections and maintenance work reflects the venue’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of attendees and performers. By taking this proactive approach, the management aims to prevent any potential risks or disruptions during upcoming concerts. The challenges faced by Co-Op Live highlight the complexities involved in launching and operating a large-scale entertainment venue, especially in the midst of technical hiccups and construction setbacks. It remains to be seen how the venue will navigate these challenges and regain the trust of artists and audiences in the future.
Overall, the uncertainty surrounding Barry Manilow’s performance at Co-Op Live and the venue’s ongoing technical issues underscore the importance of thorough planning and preparedness in the entertainment industry. The disruptions caused by the delays and cancellations at Co-Op Live have had a ripple effect on the local economy and entertainment scene in Manchester. As the management works to rectify the issues and ensure a seamless experience for artists and concert-goers, the focus remains on delivering high-quality performances and maintaining the reputation of the new music venue.
