The Smiths tribute band set to play at the re-opening gig of the O2 Academy in Brixton tonight (Friday April 19) have spoken to NME about what to expect from the show and what it means it be gracing the stage at the iconic London venue after tragedy closed its doors.The legendary South London venue has been shut since December 2022 after a fatal crowd crush that left two people dead.
The tragic incident occurred at an Asake concert, which resulted in the deaths of Gabrielle Hutchinson, aged 23, and 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo.
A third was left in a critical condition.The future of the iconic London venue had been uncertain since then, before it was announced in December 2023 that the venue was allowed to retain its licence and re-open if it can meet “robust” safety rules.
See the full list of 77 measures put in place here. The Academy Group declined to be interviewed about what changes had been made to the venue ahead of this weekend’s re-opening.Back in March, a run of gigs to mark the return of the venue were announced – kicking off tonight with Nirvana UK (a tribute to Nirvana) and Smiths tribute band The Smyths.
Read more on nme.com