The O2 in London has announced today (Tuesday) that its first socially distanced live music event, featuring rock band Squeeze, has been pushed back until May 22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concert, which will see the venue’s capacity reduced from 20,000 to 4,700, will be the first live music event with fans since the venue closed 14 months ago.
The AEG-owned arena will implement a number of safety measures and extensive planning will be in place to welcome fans back to the arena safely.
The rescheduled show was originally planned for December 5, before being pushed back to February 27 amid logistical concerns caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook said: “I am so thrilled to be playing The O2 with Squeeze and to be able to chalk up another first for us on this hallowed ground, previously the site of a gasworks, whose social club featured a double bill of Chris Difford and myself with Bucks Fizz’s Cheryl Baker.
“That was a long time ago. We are putting a lot of time and energy into this show to make it one not to forget. See you there! Love, Glenn.”
Plans for the event were first revealed in October. Fans were able to purchase tickets in groups of two, three or four and The O2 would have implemented a one-way system throughout the arena and entrances.
All separate groups of fans would have empty seats between them, with food and drink able to be pre-ordered via an app. Electrostatic antibacterial foggers were also brought in to spray across all surfaces around the venue, providing protection for up to 30 days.
In line with government measures, The O2 is temporarily closed until further notice.
In December, The O2 hosted Pete Tong for its first music event at the arena since venues closed in March. The livestreamed concert on LIVENow also welcomed The Heritage Orchestra and Jules Buckley, with Tong stating: “We can’t be together in clubs or concert arenas BUT we can still put on a show for you.”
Share this