Co-op Live announces Travis gig amid opening issues

Co-op Live has announced it will host a Travis Scott gig in July, amid continuing issues around its opening.

"Travis Scott's Utopia - Circus Maximus Tour is set to continue this summer with a headline performance here at Co-op Live on 13 July 2024," the Manchester venue posted on social media.

Co-op Live is set to become the largest arena in the UK, seating 23,500 people.

But its opening, scheduled for April, has been beset by delays.

After a gig by another US rapper, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, was cancelled following a "technical issue" during a soundcheck - in which a nozzle from the ventilation and air-conditioning system reportedly fell from the ceiling - Co-op Live said it was taking "a short pause to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue".

Olivia Rodrigo, Take That and Keane have also had to cancel performances.

Others have moved their gigs to the rival AO Arena.

And so far, Co-op Live has staged only a test event featuring Rick Astley.

But the venue has now said it does not "expect further impact on our opening season", adding: "We look forward to welcoming you to the arena from 14 May 2024".

And British rock band Elbow are now scheduled to be Co-op Live's opening act.

The Eagles, Nicki Minaj, Pet Shop Boys, Stevie Nicks and Eric Clapton are also all due to play the arena.

In 2021, Scott, 33, performed at the Astroworld music festival in Houston, Texas, which saw 10 people die after fans surged towards the stage.

He has just announced a European tour, following a sellout run in the US, including his largest UK headline show, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, on 11 July.

Last July, Scott had to cancel a show in front of Egypt's pyramids, because of "complex production issues".