Yahoo News A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie issues fiery statement as Co-op Live gig is cancelled
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has taken to social media to issue a statement after his Co-op Live gig was cancelled just MINUTES before the opening act was due to begin.
Thousands of fans were queueing outside and trickling into the £365m venue when at 6:40pm on Wednesday evening, they were suddenly told the gig would not go ahead. Taking to X, the Co-op Live blamed the cancellation on a 'technical issue' and asked fans to 'leave the arena'.
American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, who was set to headline tonight's gig, has issued a statement on X telling followers 'something happened with the venue' while he was at soundcheck earlier today.
It comes as the M.E.N revealed the show was cancelled after a 'piece of air conditioning unit' fell from the ceiling.
"Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show," he posted in a black square.
"We are working on rescheduling in the next few days I'm heated about the situation too but safety first Manchester I got you just stay tuned for further info."
The rapper's show is the latest in a string of cancellations for Co-op Live, who have had a turbulent fortnight scrambling to open the venue.
The £365m Eastlands arena was originally slated to open with a set of Peter Kay gigs starting on April 23. But following a test concert the previous Saturday, which saw capacity slashed amid concerns raised by emergency services, the Bolton comic's shows were pushed back twice.
The venue was rocked by another setback just days after when its general manager, Gary Roden, spectacularly quit after 12 months in the job. It follows comments Mr Roden made to the BBC about grassroots music venues sparked fury among fans in Manchester and beyond.
Co-op Live bosses then assured fans the venue would open in time for American rock band The Black Keys' gig on Saturday, April 27. But following concerns around an emergency services communication system, some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures, the show was pushed back to Wednesday, May 25.
Fans have expressed their disappointment over the cancellation. Kate Duckworth said: “Save your apologies. To cancel an event whilst people are queuing to get in is an absolute disgrace!”
Jo Lunn wrote: “Just appalling. Two teenage daughters at the Coop Live now being told the show is cancelled, to go home and not use social media. On the back of us trying to see Peter Kay last week. The costs incurred and disappointment are huge.”
Sara Townley added: “I’m fuming my daughter travelled there just to be turned away after being on the news all day that it’s going ahead - really unfair just do the decent thing and cancel everything in advance until you are 100% certain everything is ok.”
