Co-op Live boss gives Olivia Rodrigo Manchester gigs update as he admits 'it's up to her'

Olivia Rodrigo fans are still eagerly waiting to hear confirmation of new dates for her two big Manchester Co-op Live shows after their postponement. The American superstar was due to open the UK leg of her world tour in Manchester at the new arena on May 3 and 4.

But the gigs were pulled 48 hours before - amid technical issues at the Co-op Live arena around its planned opening show with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on May 1.

Since then, fans have been desperately waiting to hear what will happen with the two Manchester shows. Olivia is currently playing the last of her UK dates at London's 02 Arena before heading out across Europe.

READ MORE: Review: Elbow bring an uplifting note as Co-op Live officially opens

This week Co-op Live finally opened its doors, with Bury band Elbow succesfully heralding its first full live concert. The opening schedule of gigs will now go ahead as planned, continuing this week with the Black Keys on Wednesday, Eric Clapton on Saturday and Barry Manilow on Sunday.

Co-op Live's boss Tim Leiweke spoke to the M.E.N. ahead of the opening about the plans ahead for the venue, including the rescheduling of Olivia Rodrigo's highly anticipated shows.

Mr Leiweke said: "Olivia has three sets of dates and we’re waiting on her to make a decision, that’s up to her.

"We’ve given her three sets of dates and she’s figuring it out whether to add on to her European schedule, her Asian tour or on her second leg which may fall later than we want, but it’s up to her."

Olivia's touring schedule sees her playing near back-to-back gigs across May and June in Europe. She finishes her series of London gigs on May 18, with a two night break before heading to Amsterdam for her European commitments to start on May 21 in Amsterdam.

Gigs on her GUTS tour are then scheduled up to June 23 in Lisbon. There is then a short break in her touring schedule before she returns to America for gigs from July 19 all through July until August 17.

The Asian leg of her tour then starts from September 16, running through to October 22.

Co-op Live was originally due to open with Bolton comedian Peter Kay on April 23, but has been delayed several times due to 'technical issues' at the 23,500 capacity venue. The comedian's gigs were moved to later dates in May as were The Black Keys, while on May 1 A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's gig was cancelled with minutes to go after a part of an air conditioning event fell from the gantry.

As a result of this, bosses announced a further delay to its opening season - and offered 'sincere apologies' to all ticketholders. They said they would take a 'short pause' to 'fully ensure the safety and security of fans' following the incident on Wednesday, May 1.

The venue has since said it was: "especially disappointed to have delayed our introduction and frustrated so many in the process", and wants to ensure the that all fans 'have the best possible experience'.

In addition to integrated round-trip tram travel, every ticket holder affected by rescheduling will now also be offered a free drink and a free food item of their choice when they visit Co-op Live for the show. Ticket holders will be able to collect the vouchers on arrival and redeem the offer at the venue.

Commenting on the free food and drink for those with rescheduled gigs, Co-op Live said: "Whilst we know this won’t erase the inconvenience and upset caused by the original postponements, we hope it will help everyone have the best possible time on the night.

"Since our first postponement on 23 April 2024, we have remained strongly committed to ensuring all events are rescheduled and returned to Manchester, allowing as many fans as possible to experience their favourite artists. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and hard work of ticketing agents, promoters and artists to make this a reality."