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London’s O2 Academy Brixton is set to reopen in April, more than a year after a crowd attack outside the venue left two people dead and several others seriously injured.
Security guards Gabby Hutchinson and Rebecca Ikumelo were killed on December 15, 2022, when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a packed concert by Nigerian singer Asake.
A 22-year-old woman who was injured that night remains in hospital in critical condition. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The famous south London venue, which has a capacity of just under 5,000 people and has hosted artists ranging from David Bowie to Lady Gaga to The Clash, has had its license revoked by the local council after the Metropolitan Police told the local council. It was facing the threat of permanent closure. Inspired by excitement.
After a two-day public hearing in September last year, Lambeth City Council decided to allow live music events at venues again “provided they comply” with 77 new safety conditions, including stronger doors, new crowd management systems and new security. The court issued a ruling allowing the event to take place. And the management team.
The hearing, which was largely held in private, revealed that O2 Academy Brixton’s owner and operator Academy Music Group (AMG) will spend £1.2 million ($1.5 million) on maintenance and improvements to the building during the closure period. It became clear that he was spending. To the general public.
Venue owner Academy Music Group (AMG), which operates 18 music venues across the UK, said in a statement at the time of the council’s decision: “We want to ensure that the tragic events of December 15th are never repeated. I will do my best to do what I do.” ”
In a statement posted on Monday, March 4 to announced that a concert would be held. Probably[Oasis tribute band]and the Foo Fighters from England.
Upcoming shows by The Black Keys and British indie rock band The Editors, scheduled for May, were also announced on Monday.
“This is an important moment not only for the venue itself, but for the live music industry as a whole.” michael killThe CEO of industry group Night Time Industry Association (NTIA) issued a statement welcoming the news.
“Brixton Academy holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers, artists and industry professionals alike,” said Kill, adding, “its reopening marks an iconic return to the nighttime economy. “It marks our return to a vibrant cultural landscape.” Have fun everyone. ”
Ahead of last year’s City Council hearing, more than 110,000 people signed an online petition calling for the preservation of the historic venue, which first opened as a movie theater in 1929 and began hosting live music concerts in the early 1980s. did.