The General Manager of the Co-op Live Arena has resigned, following a tough launch and an interview criticising small music venues.
Gary Roden came under fire over a BBC interview ahead of its launch. In it he talked about grassroots music venues and a proposed £1 levy on large shows to preserve their future. He stated that some of them were “poorly run” and the levy was “too simplistic.”
That caused outrage, with the CEO of the Music Venue Trust telling the NME:
“The irony of making ill-judged, unnecessary and misleading comments…on the day that the launch of their new arena has unfortunately fallen into such difficulties is not lost on anyone in the music industry, on artists, or on audiences.
“We still wish Co-Op Live all the very best in delivering the forthcoming shows. Hopefully tackling these challenges might give them a chance to reconsider their position on supporting the UK’s music talent pipeline with meaningful actions which would actually make a difference.”
In a statement Jessica Koravos, President of International at Oak View Group (OVG), which operates the venue said Roden had “decided to resign” and that “neither Co-op Live nor Oak View Group share the sentiment expressed by former Co-op Live general manager Gary Roden regarding the grassroots industry.”
OVG’s Chairman and CEO, Tim Leiweke also stated that the venue and its sponsors were committed to grassroots music.
The 23,500 capacity venue postponed its opening night with just 24 hours warning, after work failed to be completed on time. Performances by Peter Kay, due on to take place earlier this week, were cancelled after a test event on Saturday found issues with the power supply in certain parts of the venue.
At the time, Leiweke stated:
“I think it’s a source of commitment to safety and expectations and trying to make sure that when people come in the building we do it right. We have work to do this week, we’re not embarrassed by moving Peter Kay.”
Rebecca Kane Burton, the former head of the O2 Arena in London will be the venue’s interim General Manager.
Today as they announced a rescheduled date for both Kay and The Black Keys, the venue released the following updates.
“It’s always been very important to me that we only open Co-op Live when it is safe and appropriate to do so, and rescheduling The Black Keys and Peter Kay gives the dedicated team the time and space needed to finalise systems and measures,” said Leiweke.
“I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to every fan that has been impacted by this decision and others this week, and join the full team in thanking them for their continued patience and support as we prepare to open our doors.”
The Co-op Group also released a statement:
“As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are very disappointed in the delayed opening of the venue and fully recognise the disruption this has caused to affected ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op Members.
“Co-op Live is an incredible venue and is a force for good for Manchester, our region and the UK as a whole. We look forward to seeing the venue fully open in accordance with the timescales provided by OVG today.”
