Olivia Rodrigo is still figuring out when to fit in her rescheduled dates at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena after the new venue faced major teething problems.
The 21-year-old pop star was due to play two sold-out gigs at the UK’s largest indoor concert venue, on May 3 and May 4, but organisers were forced to axe the performances due to a “venue-related technical issue”.
The ‘Guts World Tour’ shows were pulled 48-hours before with some fans left gutted after travelling all the way there and booking accommodation to see the ‘Good 4 U’ hitmaker.
Co-op Live’s boss Tim Leiwek has now said they are leaving it “up to” Olivia to decide when she wants to reschedule the concerts.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News this week, Leiwek 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 admitted she was “so disappointed” at the time.
She wrote on her Instagram Stories: “hello! I’ve been having such a great time in Europe so far and I’m sooooo disappointed that we’re unable to perform in Manchester due to on-going venue-related technical issues. we’re doing our best to reschedule the show. you can hold onto your tickets for further info or request a refund at your point of purchase. more info will be sent directly to ticket holders. I’m so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon (sic)”
Co-op Live – which has a 23,500 capacity – postponed the arena’s opening for a third time on May 1.
Rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was due to perform, but his gig was abandoned due to the same problem after concertgoers had already arrived at the £365 million arena.
A post on Co-op Live’s X account read: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead. We kindly ask fans to leave the area. Tickets holders will receive further information in due course.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many. (sic)”
The 28-year-old rapper was left “heated” about the postponement.
He wrote on his Instagram Stories: “Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show.
“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.”
Just two hours later, the venue also revealed Olivia’s gigs had been postponed.
The venue has since flung open its doors for the first full live concert from Elbow, which took place on May 14.