US singer Olivia Rodrigo expressed her dismay after falling victim to ongoing issues at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. Scheduled to kick off her UK tour with two sold-out performances at the troubled venue, Rodrigo’s plans were dashed when the shows were called off.
The decision followed yet another delay in the arena’s opening, prompted by technical difficulties that also disrupted a performance by rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie earlier in the week.
Taking to Instagram, Rodrigo conveyed her disappointment to fans, expressing hope for a future rescheduling of the concerts. However, the cancellations left many fans in a lurch, with some, like Scott Tostevin from Guernsey, facing financial losses due to non-refundable travel arrangements.
The repeated setbacks have marred the reputation of the £365m venue, originally slated to be opened by comedian Peter Kay. However, Kay’s shows were also postponed multiple times.
The latest cancellation was attributed to a malfunction during a soundcheck, prompting concerns about the safety and reliability of the arena’s systems. Despite assurances from the venue’s operators, Oak View Group, that steps were being taken to address the issues, fans and sponsors expressed frustration over the ongoing disruptions.
Rodrigo’s tour, which began in Dublin, faces an uncertain future as organizers work to mitigate the impact of the cancellations and reassure fans about the upcoming shows.
