It has been confirmed tonight that Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena boss Gary Roden has resigned following rows controversy and teething problems
The venue had to postpone its opening shows this week with Peter Kaye after issues surrounding the issuing of a safety certificate amid problems with getting power to the venue
Meanwhile Mr Roden had caused controversy following his remarks about “poorly run” grassroots venues
He had insisted that a proposed £1 ticket levy to preserve their future was “too simplistic”.
Jessica Koravos, the president of international at US-based venue operator Oak View Group (OVG), said that Roden had “decided to resign”
adding
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. As OVG chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke has repeatedly stated, Co-Op Live remains committed to grassroots music in Manchester and beyond, including teaming up with mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on the Artist of the Month campaign, and as a founding partner of Beyond The Music Festival
The venue is due to host its first event this Saturday with the rock group the Black Keys but the capacity will be limited to ten thousand people at the lower level only
