O2 Academy Brixton to reopen for first time since deadly crush in 2022
The venue will reopen with performances from Nirvana and Oasis tribute bands.
By Nick Reilly
O2 Academy Brixton has announced that it is to reopen next month, nearly 16 months after a fatal crowd crush forced the venue to close its doors.
The legendary venue closed in December 2022, when security worker Gabrielle Hutchinson and mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo were killed in a deadly crush at a concert by Afrobeats singer Asake.
The venue’s license was subsequently suspended by Lambeth Council, while the Metropolitan Police applied to have it permanently revoked.
Now, the venue has announced it will reopen with two shows next month, after Lambeth Council ruled last year that it could make a return providing that 77 “extensive and robust” safety conditions are met.
The first show comes in the form of a Nirvana tribute band called Nirvana UK, who will perform at the iconic South London spot on April 19 – supported by a tribute band to The Smiths (appropriately named The Smyths).
A week later, Oasis tribute band Definitely Mightbe will headline the venue, with support from rock tribute group UK Foo Fighters.
While some have questioned the seemingly random bookings, it’s thought that they will act as test events – giving venue operators AMG a chance to show that it can operate safely before more prolific acts return there.
It has also been confirmed that Editors will also play the venue a month later on May 2.
Responding to news of the reopening last year, London Night Czar Amy Lamé said: “Firstly, my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Gaby and Rebecca and the woman who remains in a critical condition in hospital following the awful events at O2 Brixton Academy.”