More bad news have reached Peter Kay's fans today as the comedian's shows at Manchester's Co-Op Live have been rescheduled for a second time.
Representatives for the new venue broke the news on the Co-Op Live's Instagram account, stating that Peter Kay will now have to wait until the end of May to perform on stage. The statement reads: "we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans."
But the testing of the £365m venue has still not been completed in due time, forcing organisers to cancel the comedian's shows as well as their upcoming Black Keys concert. Peter Kay will now be performing on May 23 and 24, while the band will be on stage on May 15.
The news follows the resignation of Gary Roden who left his position as general manager of the new arena on Thursday, after facing backlash for comments made to the BBC in which he claimed that some small music venues are "poorly run."
Taking to Twitter aka X to react to the news this Friday, Peter added in a statement of his own: "My apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience. Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either)."
The full statement from Co-op Live said: "Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans."
"To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows."
"Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 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 deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause.
"Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications and measures thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.
"Today’s announcement comes with reassurance that we will welcome fans to Co-op Live from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on 1 May, and into Olivia Rodrigo on 3 and 4 May 2024.
"As we make this very difficult decision, we thank Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, our staff and wider stakeholders for their continued dedication to Co-op Live."
Angry fans, who have been demanding refunds for days, swarmed to the comment section, clearly exasperated. "So we’ll wait for you to cancel Olivia Rodrigo!!!! should have had better project management!", one fumed while another added: "You people are not serious cuz you’re costing peoples money, work and travel for what just say you're not ready and wait till the summer."
Celebs and Rick Astley fans flocked to Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday, April 20, as organisers hosted a trial event with the iconic singer ahead of Peter Kay's own performances. The Peter Kay's Car Share star was due on stage on April 22 and 23, but was forced to back down hours before his first show. At the time, the Black Keys were guaranteed to perform this Saturday, April 27.
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