Commonwealth Entertainment (Commonwealth Union) _ Drake, the internationally renowned Canadian rapper, has postponed his Manchester concert, which had originally been scheduled for Monday, July 28. The decision has been made allegedly due to what organisers have described as “unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics.” The last-minute announcement has triggered mixed reactions from the rapper’s fans, with many expressing disappointments at the short notice.
The concert, part of Drake’s “Some Special Shows 4 U” UK tour, was set to take place at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena, where the rap artist had already performed two sold-out shows on Friday and Saturday. According to a statement released on the venue’s official website, the alternate scheduled performance is set to take place on Tuesday, August 5, with all original tickets remaining valid for the new date.
While organisers have made attempts to soften the setback, assuring audiences of the certainty of experiencing a memorable performance on the rescheduled show date, not all fans were satisfied, with some taking to social media to express frustration over the short notice, particularly those who had made long-distance travel and accommodation plans in order to attend the show.
The 38-year-old musician, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, has hit the midpoint of his UK tour, marking the first time he’s performed in Europe in six years. The Manchester leg was especially anticipated, not only because of his long hiatus from European tours, but also due to the rapper’s surprise appearances at Wireless Festival in London earlier this month. He also spiced up the festival by bringing out several UK rap stars such as Dave, Central Cee, and J Hus, prompting significant excitement among fans at Finsbury Park with the setlist packed with hits and guest acts.
The rescheduled Manchester show also comes after the release of his latest track, “Which One,” a collaboration with British rapper Central Cee. The single was dropped last Thursday during an episode of Drake’s Iceman stream, which was filmed in various locations around Manchester, including Manchester Piccadilly railway station and Victoria Baths.
The good news for fans still planning to attend upcoming shows is that Drake is expected to perform again at Co-op Live on Monday, August 4, before heading to mainland Europe with stops in Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, and Paris.
The UK tour also represents the five-time Grammy Award-winning artist’s significant return to international live performances with his iconic hits such as “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” and “Hold On We’re Going Home.”
Despite the scheduling hiccup, excitement remains high for the rescheduled concert, with Co-op Live having assured attendees that the show happening on August 5 will deliver the same high-energy experience that fans have come to expect from Drake’s live performances.
However, fans who have responded on social media expressing their frustration about the abrupt postponement of the concert have brought back into attention several recurring arguments regarding the issues and inconveniences experienced by fans who attend live music shows, mainly in terms of clarity of communication and accountability by the responsible management. While certain unexpected delays may understandably remain unavoidable due to tour logistics, discussions among fans point out that major artists and promoters should practice more efficient communication, especially when providing plans in relation to dealing with unpredictable circumstances.
Nevertheless, Drake’s European tour is now steadily back on track, with a significant amount of attention being drawn towards his next appearance in Manchester to see whether the rescheduled show will live up to the usual hype and abide by the promise of being “unforgettable.”
