The Black Keys Co-op Live gig WILL go ahead in 'lower bowl', bosses say

Manchester's brand new Co-op Live arena announced the cancellation of its two opening gigs with Peter Kay this week. But bosses say the gig by American rock band The Black Keys scheduled for Saturday, April 27, WILL still go ahead.

Co-op Live made the announcement on Monday morning that the venue has not been completed in time for the planned official opening tomorrow (Tuesday).

It means Peter Kay's shows on Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24, have had to be rescheduled. They will now take place on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30.

READ MORE: Peter Kay "truly gutted" over Co-op Live gigs - full statement

But bosses confirmed in a statement that The Black Keys show will continue on Saturday April 27. It will make it the first official public music event to take place at the £365m venue.

The MEN understands that bosses are confident they will meet all the required regulations in time for The Black Keys' eagerly anticipated gig.

Co-op Live announced today that it will take place in "the lower bowl", which is understood to mean one tier of seating and the main floor, which will be standing. The Peter Kay gigs, by comparison, are all seated including across the floor, which requires different regulations to be met.

The Black Keys gig will also have a capacity of 10,000 - half of the venue's full capacity of 23,500.

The Manchester Evening News have asked Co-op Live for further confirmation on how the "lower bowl" arrangement will work - given some fans have taken to social media to say they had purchased tickets in the upper tier of seats.

A statement from Co-op Live said: "Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April.

"It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind. Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly.

"This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size.

"Peter Kay has very graciously agreed to perform his record-breaking comedy at Co-op Live on 29 (rescheduled from 23) and 30 (rescheduled from 24) April 2024. All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend. We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some.

"We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned."

The statement added: "We can’t wait to welcome fans to Co-op Live for our official grand opening events with Peter Kay, and to showcase Co-op Live at its very best. We will still be hosting The Black Keys on 27 April in the lower bowl with 10K fans as planned, and will continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations."

The announcement came after problems with power at the site, which are believed to have affected the fire safety and emergency services communication systems. It led to bosses slashing attendance from around 11,000 to 4,000 at Saturday night's test event - less than two hours before it was due to start.

The entertainment went ahead on stage - with Manchester twins The KTNA becoming the official first ever performers on stage. They were followed by the likes of Everything Everything, a surprise star turn from McFly's Danny Jones and a headline set from Rick Astley.