Drake fans disappointed over cancelled Manchester gig

Disappointed fans have spoken to the BBC following Canadian rapper Drake’s cancellation of his concert in Manchester on Monday due to “travel logistics”.

Monday’s concert was called off due to “unforeseen ferry and travel logistics” and has been rescheduled for next week, according to a statement issued by the Co-op Live arena.

“The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it’s set to be an unforgettable night,” the statement added.

However, Drake had already performed at the Manchester venue on Friday and Saturday – suggesting he was in the local area – leaving fans unimpressed by the short-notice cancellation of Monday’s event.

Nina, 24, bought tickets for Monday night’s show in June, from her home in Orlando, Florida, and decided to plan a European road trip around the concert date, culminating in seeing her “favourite artist” in Manchester on 28 July.

“I made a big sacrifice just to make this concert, but I knew it would be the highlight of my trip,” she said.

“Yesterday morning I received an email from Ticketmaster notifying me that the tour has been postponed, which was shocking, as I had just arrived at the airport in Amsterdam to head to Manchester.”

Having been on holiday in Europe since mid-July, Nina is due to fly back to the US on Tuesday, and won’t be able to attend the new date.

Nina paid nearly £340 for her General Admission floor ticket at Co-op Live and is awaiting a refund.

“I came to Manchester simply for the performance, and I’m now leaving with disappointment.

“I’m truly upset, but trying to enjoy the last day of my holiday here in Europe.

“There are many other loyal fans, like myself, who travelled thousands of miles for this performance – who worked extremely hard to be able to afford this trip, only to be left without any public apology from Drake or his team”.

And this isn’t the first time Nina has missed out on seeing the Canadian star.

Two years ago, she travelled to Nashville, Tennessee from Orlando – only for the concert once again to be cancelled the day before.

Carlos, 18, made the journey from Brentford, in London, on Saturday, in order to see the rapper for the first time at the concert on Monday night.

“I woke up to the email that it had been cancelled on Sunday morning,” said Carlos.

“This was meant to be the first time seeing him, and it would probably be the last – because he doesn’t come to the UK a lot [and] if he does, he’ll be old and it won’t be the same.

“I spent about £500 on a new [out]fit just for the night. But it’s not the clothes, I paid to see Drake.”

All tickets remain valid for the rescheduled date, but Co-op Live have offered fans chance to apply for a refund if they cannot make the concert on 5 August.

“I’m busy that day,” said Carlos, adding he has sold back his £175 ticket.

He says he feels fortunate because his sister lives in Manchester, so he didn’t have to spend money on a hotel ahead of the concert, but feels sorry for those who’ve travelled a long way and spent additional money to get to the venue.

“Some have actually travelled continents to see this guy!”

One of the most-streamed artists in the world, Drake released his new single ‘Which One’ with UK rapper Central Cee last Thursday during an episode of his Iceman stream, which was filmed around the city, including at Manchester Piccadilly railway station and Victoria Baths.

He has been performing across the UK this summer as part of his first tour in Europe in six years.