Co-op Live Arena GM Resigns Amidst Cancellations and Backlash: Grassroots Music Venues Defend Their Reputation
The general manager of Manchester's Co-op Live arena, Gary Roden, has resigned following the cancellation of comedian Peter Kay's opening shows and last-minute ticket cancellations for the venue's first test event.
The £365m arena was not ready in time, leading to delays and frustration for attendees.
Roden's resignation came after he criticized "poorly run" grassroots music venues in an interview with the BBC, which drew backlash.
The arena released a statement distancing itself from Roden's comments and reaffirming its commitment to grassroots music.
The text expresses gratitude to Mr. Roden for his role in bringing the UK's newest arena to life entertainment fans.
Rebecca Kane Burton, a former manager of London's O2 Arena, will serve as interim general manager.
Before the grand opening shows, Mr. Roden spoke to the BBC about the financial struggles of small venues and criticized some for poor management.
He also mentioned the lack of a system to distribute a proposed £1 subsidy from every arena ticket to support pubs and clubs, which the Music Venue Trust is advocating for.
Instead, the new arena will donate £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation charity and collaborate with smaller venues on projects like training.
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) responded to criticism from NME about grassroots music venues being "poorly run." The MVT disagreed with the suggestion, stating that these venues face unique and complex challenges that are often overlooked.
They also pointed out the irony of NME's comments coming on the same day that the launch of a new arena faced difficulties.
Roden's resignation came after he criticized "poorly run" grassroots music venues in an interview with the BBC, which drew backlash.
The arena released a statement distancing itself from Roden's comments and reaffirming its commitment to grassroots music.
The text expresses gratitude to Mr. Roden for his role in bringing the UK's newest arena to life entertainment fans.
Rebecca Kane Burton, a former manager of London's O2 Arena, will serve as interim general manager.
Before the grand opening shows, Mr. Roden spoke to the BBC about the financial struggles of small venues and criticized some for poor management.
He also mentioned the lack of a system to distribute a proposed £1 subsidy from every arena ticket to support pubs and clubs, which the Music Venue Trust is advocating for.
Instead, the new arena will donate £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation charity and collaborate with smaller venues on projects like training.
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) responded to criticism from NME about grassroots music venues being "poorly run." The MVT disagreed with the suggestion, stating that these venues face unique and complex challenges that are often overlooked.
They also pointed out the irony of NME's comments coming on the same day that the launch of a new arena faced difficulties.
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