Black Keys concert at Co-op Live venue to go ahead this Saturday

American rock band Black Keys are to perform at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester this Saturday (27 April) – the first event at the arena which is to be allowed the full capacity of 23,500.

This comes after a test event headlined by Rick Astley on Saturday 20 April had its capacity slashed from 11,000 to 4,000 people due to concerns about the ability of the venue to supporting so many people.

In light of this test event, Peter Kay’s opening gigs which were supposed to take place today (Tuesday 23 April) and tomorrow (Wednesday 24 April) havwe been rescheduled until next week (Tuesday 30 April) and (Wednesday 1 May).

Kay said: “I’m truly gutted as I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it’s a brand-new venue and it’s important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

The Black Keys concert will still go ahead this Saturday but only the lower bowl to a capacity of 10,000 rather than 23,500.